“Fabrizio Romano Drops BOMBSHELL: Newcastle United Star Midfielder’s SHOCKING Move to Premier League Rivals Will Leave You SPEECHLESS!”

Manchester City are reportedly closing in on the signing of highly-rated Newcastle United academy prospect Ethan Fullen.

According to renowned Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the under-15s midfielder is expected to leave Tyneside to join City’s youth ranks.

Fullen, considered a major talent within Newcastle’s youth setup, featured prominently during the club’s participation in the J-League International Series in Japan last year, where he found the net in a 7-3 defeat against a representative side.

Romano confirmed the development via his X account, writing: “Manchester City are closing in on one more deal for the Academy: Ethan Fullen set to join from Newcastle U15.

Seen as huge talent, Fullen joins #MCFC with details being sorted.”

While Manchester City prepare to snap up one of Newcastle’s promising young midfielders, the Magpies themselves have been busy in the transfer market, strengthening their own academy.

Romano also revealed that Newcastle have secured the signing of Alfie Hutchison, a striker from Rangers’ academy.

Hutchison joined the Scottish club just last year from Hearts but is now set to continue his development in England after attracting interest from several Premier League clubs.

In addition to Hutchison, another Rangers youngster, Oliver Goodbrand, is also believed to be on Newcastle’s radar.

Though a deal for Goodbrand has not yet been finalized, it would represent a double swoop from the Scottish Premiership side.

Given Newcastle’s geographical location as the northernmost club in the Premier League, Scotland is seen as a vital scouting ground, and under current rules, the club will need to pay compensation for any youth signings made.

Newcastle’s academy overhaul forms part of a long-term strategy since the Saudi-backed takeover in 2021.

The new ownership group has made youth investment a priority, seeking to build a sustainable model that also complies with the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

By developing homegrown talent, Newcastle hopes to produce cost-effective options for manager Eddie Howe’s first team.

Moreover, even if players don’t break through at senior level, they could still generate pure profit when sold—thus helping balance the books.

This model mirrors successful strategies implemented by top clubs such as Manchester City and Chelsea, who have used academy talent to help fund marquee signings.

One recent example at Newcastle is the transfer of Yankuba Minteh.

Signed from Odense Boldklub for £7 million in 2023, the Gambian winger impressed on loan at Feyenoord before being sold to Brighton for £33 million—representing a significant return on investment.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have also confirmed an agreement to sign Georgian forward Vakhtang Salia from Dinamo Tbilisi. The 17-year-old will officially join the club once he turns 18 in August.

The deal was agreed back in October 2024, and sporting director Paul Mitchell expressed his delight at securing the young talent ahead of other interested clubs.

“Scouting and recruiting emerging talent is an essential part of building a sustainable future, particularly within the current PSR framework,” said Mitchell.

“We look forward to working with Vakhtang and wish him every success during his remaining time with Dinamo Tbilisi.”