Newcastle United have confirmed the signings of attackers Rosaire Longelo and Yannick Toure, who have joined from West Ham and Young Boys.
United have confirmed via their Twitter and official website that the young duo – who are 18 and 17 respectively – have agreed terms to join up with Rafa Benitez at the club, initially joining the under-23 side.
Newcastle's under-23s kick off their PL2 campaign at @WBA tomorrow, and the club can confirm the signings of youngsters Yannick Toure and Rosaire Longelo.
Full story: https://t.co/5myTKs8pCR #NUFC pic.twitter.com/Mu8lYwQPJ3
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) August 12, 2018
18-year-old winger Longelo spent ten years at the Hammers, and became a graduate of their youth system after progressing through the ranks.
17-year-old striker Toure was not short of admirers as it is also said that he had interest from elsewhere, while Longelo has spent time on trial with the Magpies, featuring in the under-23 pre-season friendly against Barrow, which they won 3-2.
OPINION
Newcastle are wise to be bringing young players like this pair, as they are not usually known for helping youngsters progress through the system. Not many young players end up starring for the first team after coming up from the under-23 squad, so it is exciting to see this pair come on the books. Both of them are capable of breaking into the senior team in the future, but they will certainly help improve the under-23 squad upon their arrivals. In recent years, we have not seen many players make the leap from the youth system to the first team, and those who did have left the club. They are both highly rated talents, particularly Toure, who has had plenty of interest from other parties. Fingers crossed that they can end United’s shocking record of bringing young players who are good enough for a shot at the first team.
