Newcastle United rising star Sam Alabi has signed his first pro contract.
The exciting midfielder has captained England at Under 17 level and looks to have a great future ahead of him.
Sam Alabi turned 17 today (Thursday 9 July 2026) and this coincided with the young player signing that first pro contract with NUFC.
Born in Manchester, Newcastle United picking up the fledgling young midfielder from Oldham Athletic in July 2023 after he turned 14.
At the age of 16 he was named in a senior matchday squad for the first time during Newcastle United’s Champions League clash away at Olympique de Marseille last season, then featured on the bench for three further NUFC competitive fixtures.
Commenting after Sam Alabi signed his pro contract, Academy Director Steve Harper: “Sam took a big step coming to Newcastle at a young age and he’s embraced every challenge since. His development over the last few years has been very positive and everyone across the Academy is proud to see him earn his first professional contract. To see him reach this stage, having already experienced first-team involvement and international recognition, is something we’re all incredibly proud of and we’re looking forward to seeing him continue that progression this season.”
As for Sam Alabi himself: “It is a very good moment, it shows my sacrifice, hard work and levels of dedication that I’ve been putting into this. I know this is just the start and there’s more to achieve. I think the pathway at the Academy and the opportunities I was given last season convinced me to sign. It was really eye-opening and when I saw these opportunities that were there to take, I thought I took them really well. Before I signed for the club, I saw Newcastle had something different which was out of my comfort zone. It was a different challenge but I backed myself and believed I was good enough.”
At the age of 16, Sam Alabi also found himself regularly training with the Newcastle United first team last season: “My qualities and desire got me there as I was putting in the work every single day in training,” he explained. “I think I gelled with the senior players which was a big thing. I speak to Joe Willock and Jacob Ramsey. Joe messages me to offer information on how I can improve and keep improving. When I got injured at the start of the year, Jacob messaged me and told me to keep focussed so when I get back, I’m ready for pre-season because, hopefully, I can go away with the first team. As the season starts, I want to kick on, push into the first team and make my debut. If it wasn’t for my injury last season, I believe I could’ve done that so, this season, I know I have to push. It’s all down to me. I’m always pushing for more. Last season, I was on the bench for the first team but I always want more. I want to make sure that I’ve done everything I can and put my all into it.”