Young goalkeeper Max Thompson heads to Northampton Town on loan

19-year-old Newcastle United goalkeeper Max Thompson has joined League One club Northampton Town on a loan deal until January 2024.

The young shot-stopper, who has worn the England shirt at under-18 level, will join up with the Cobblers for the first half of the 2023/24 season and is eyeing his professional debut at Sixfields Stadium.

Having made his first appearance for Newcastle Under-21s at just 16, Thompson featured in ten matches across all contests for United’s reserves last season.

Northampton boss Jon Brady had the following to say about bringing the Newcastle-born keeper to League One:

"We are pleased to welcome Max to the club.

He will join our first team squad and we are really pleased to welcome such a highly rated young goalkeeper to the club.

We believe the best course of action for James Dadge is to head out on loan to aid his development by playing week in, week out, and Max's arrival allows that to happen.

Max has a great pedigree and we believe he will fit in to the squad well. He is highly thought of at Newcastle and we are grateful to them for allowing us to borrow Max."

Thompson himself also spoke to Northampton's official website, saying:

"It's an opportunity. I got a phone call to say I was able to come and I couldn't wait to get here.

I've been at Newcastle for nine years now and have been brought up through the age groups. I've been involved in some England camps throughout the ages, as well, which has been a good experience. I just think it's the right time to gain some first-team experience.

I know the gaffer (Jon Brady) is known to play some young players, so it will be good to build that experience and build on my career, wherever that will be, I'll hopefully spend a long time here as well.

When Nick Pope got the red card the week before, I was lucky enough to travel with the squad and be involved in the Carabao Cup Final, which was unbelievable.

I don't know any of the lads but I've been told they're a good bunch so I'm looking forward to meeting them. My aim here is to do my best for the club and see how high we can finish."

All of us here at NUFC News wish Max the very best down at Sixfields!