Sam Alabi: England-Nigeria midfielder steps up to Newcastle United U21 side on birthday move

Newcastle Uniteds England-Nigeria midfielder Sam Alabi has moved up to the clubs Under-21 squad from the Under-18s, completing his promotion on the day he turned 17. The central midfielder joins Newcastle U21 after a standout spell with the clubs younger age groups and will now play his football at a higher level in the Magpies academy structure.

Manchester-born Alabi, a left-footed central midfielder, has been part of Newcastles youth set-up since 2023 and has progressed quickly through the ranks. His latest move sees him formally registered with the U21 side from Newcastle U18, underlining his rise through the clubs pathway.

Alabi featured heavily in the U18 Premier League last season, making 25 appearances and contributing two goals and three assists. He also gained valuable experience across a range of youth competitions, including outings in the UEFA Youth League, FA Youth Cup, Premier League International Cup U21, EFL Trophy and Premier League 2, building up over 2,000 minutes of competitive action across those tournaments.

Before arriving on Tyneside, Alabi developed at Oldhams youth set-up, switching to Newcastles youth ranks in 2023. He then progressed to the clubs U18 side in 2024, earning regular starts before his elevation to the U21 squad in 2026.

Alabis move from Newcastle U18 to Newcastle U21 is now complete, confirming the teenager as part of the clubs Under-21 group for the new season.