Great news today as Newcastle United have agreed a contract with Michael Mills.
The club announcing that the teenage winger, along with Oliver Goodbrand and Alfie Hutchison, have all signed their first professional contracts with Newcastle United.
Goodbrand and Hutchison joined Newcastle United from Rangers, when both aged 16, in July 2025.
However, Michael Mills was one of the earlier young talents grabbed from another club, only aged 14 when in August 2023 he was persuaded to come to NUFC from Port Vale’s youth set-up.
The exciting teenage left winger turns 17 today and has made rapid progress, despite injury setbacks.
When aged only 16 he played for Newcastle United Under 21s, whilst he scored twice in a 5-2 win against Portsmouth in December’s FA Youth Cup third round tie.
I have mates who regularly go and watch the younger NUFC teams play but I only go very rarely.
Back in December 2024, I went and watched the Newcastle United Under 18s up against their Brighton counterparts in the FA Youth Cup.
Newcastle won 2-1 and one player stood out a mile, I had to ask my mates who he was.
It was a then 15 year old Michael Mills.
What an impression he made on me that night and I’m sure on everybody else there. He was electric, his pace matched his skill, what a young prospect he looked!
Mills was tormenting Brighton and after going close previously, he scored what proved to be the winning goal. Michael played through and the Brighton defence had as much chance as me of catching him. The pace of him, sprinting away and scoring.
I couldn’t believe he was still only 15. Playing against players far older than himself, some of them two or three years older than him, yet he stood out a mile.
After agreeing this professional deal, Michael Mills speaking to official club media today: “I’m pleased because it shows all the work I’ve been putting in over the years has come together to then be offered a contract. I know the work’s not finished and I have to keep going. The move to Newcastle has helped me mature a lot. There’s been a lot of ups and downs with two injuries (toe and hamstring) that have never happened to me before. They have helped me grow mentally and persevere through difficult moments. I’ve developed quite easily on the pitch and think I’m getting closer to Newcastle’s playing style. It’s a big jump to play under-21s football but I feel those challenges will be good for my development.”
This was the Port Vale official announcement on Michael Mills when he moved to NUFC – 15 August 2024:
‘Michael Mills joins Newcastle United
We can confirm that a training compensation agreement has been reached and the transfer of Michael Mills’ registration to Newcastle United has been complete.
Michael has been an exciting player for the Valiants and caught the eye of Newcastle United after a period on trial with them.
Head of Academy, Will Ryder said:
“Since arriving in my role at the academy I’ve always reiterated that the club is built on opportunity whether that’s for staff or for players.
“We are delighted to play a part in providing a platform for Michael’s next steps in his footballing journey
“Michael was originally identified by myself and our Head of Recruitment Kevin Scott and following a successful trial, Michael was signed as an under-13 in the youth development phase.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing where Michael’s programme and future pathway take him, I’d like to thank Newcastle for their open dialogue throughout the process, they have acted with honesty and integrity from the start and I look forward to staying in touch with them and following Michael’s progress.
“I wish Michael and Newcastle all the best for the future.”
The club would like to wish Michael and his family all the best and we look forward to watching him grow as a footballer and a person.’
Good luck to striker Alfie Hutchison and defender Oliver Goodbrand as well on signing their pro contracts.
However, I have to say I will be keeping a special eye out for Michael Mills.
It has been one of the very big positives in seeing the back of Mike Ashley, the time, care, attention AND cash that is now being put into developing and attracting the very best young talent possible.
It is what all of the rival clubs have been doing for so long, trying to get ahead of the curve and signing potential future star quality at a very young age. Newcastle United now trying to do the same.
Obviously we are all primarily focused on the first team and what is the situation there. However, the future is equally, if not more, important.
If Newcastle United are going to stand any chance of competing at first team level in the future, they need to be developing and attracting the very best young talent now.