Newcastle United keeps finding pathways to developing its most promising youngsters, with another player leaving St. James’ Park temporarily in search of regular senior football.
On Friday night, Newcastle announced that Leo Shahar has completed a season-long loan move to Portuguese top-flight club FC Arouca.
The 19-year-old full-back will spend the remainder of the campaign in the Primeira Liga after becoming increasingly involved around Newcastle’s senior squad.
“Newcastle United full-back Leo Shahar
has completed a season-long loan switch to Portuguese top-flight side FC Arouca,” the club announced.
The move represents the latest stage of an encouraging year for Shahar, who made his Newcastle first-team debut in February. He appeared as a second-half substitute during the club’s Champions League victory over Qarabağ FK at St. James’ Park.
Shahar also remained around Matthias Jaissle’s first-team setup following the German’s arrival this summer. The defender was included in all three of Newcastle’s competitive matchday squads before the transfer deadline, mostly because of a glaring lack of depth with Tino Livramento out injured and Kieran Trippier having left the club at the end of last season.
Arouca should provide the teenage Magpie with some top-flight experience in a competitive European league. The Portuguese club currently sits third in the Primeira Liga following a strong start to the season, and it’s not crazy to think Shahar could compete for a role in the starting XI.
Shahar’s departure also continues Newcastle’s recent effort to secure meaningful senior football for its prospects. Rory Finneran previously joined Notts County on loan, while striker Sean Neave completed a temporary switch to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Is Arouca the right destination for Shahar, or should Newcastle have sent him to a fellow English club in a lower division? Let us know in the comments.
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