Kenya, June 28 -- Newcastle United have secured the signing of 16-year-old Scottish striker Alfie Hutchison from Rangers, outmanoeuvring several Premier League clubs to bolster their academy, as confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The deal, finalised on June 26, 2025, marks a significant coup for the Magpies, who are intensifying their focus on youth development under manager Eddie Howe.
Hutchison, a highly rated talent who scored twice in his Rangers Glasgow Cup debut against Queen's Park, joins Newcastle's Under-18 squad at Little Benton, signalling the club's ambition to nurture future stars for St James' Park.
Hutchison, born January 22, 2009, in Milngavie, Scotland, is a versatile right winger and striker standing at 1.85 m, eligible to represent both Scotland and England internationally.
His performances for Rangers' youth teams, including goals against Italy and Portugal at the under-16 level, drew attention from Arsenal, Chelsea, and other top-flight clubs, but Newcastle's compelling academy pathway sealed the deal.
"Newcastle complete deal to sign talent Alfie Hutchison from Rangers, agreement in place," Romano posted on X, noting that the Magpies "beat several PL clubs" to secure the teenager.
The transfer, requiring only training compensation due to Hutchison's age, underscores Newcastle's strategic investment in youth talent amid Financial Fair Play constraints.
Newcastle's academy, led by director Steve Harper, has prioritised developing homegrown players, with recent successes like Lewis Miley and Valentino Livramento showcasing a clear route to the first team.
Hutchison joins other young prospects like Alfie Harrison, signed from Manchester City in 2024, and Oliver Goodbrand, another Rangers talent undergoing a medical.
The club's under-18s, competing in the Premier League U18 North, and under-21s in Premier League 2, provide a platform for Hutchison to progress, with home games at Little Benton and St James' Park for FA Youth Cup matches.
Harper emphasised the signing's significance, stating, "Alfie's potential and hunger align with our vision to build a sustainable future."
The transfer comes amid a busy window for Newcastle, who recently saw bids for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo (£62.5 million) and Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga (£45 million) rejected, reflecting their ambition to strengthen both senior and youth squads.
Hutchison's move, however, is a long-term investment, with the 16-year-old unlikely to feature immediately for Howe's first team, which is targeting a top-six Premier League finish and Champions League qualification.
His addition follows a pattern of Scottish talent crossing the border, with Rangers and Celtic facing an "exodus" of prospects to England, as reported by NUFC Blog.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.