Eddie Howe confirms he plans to keep ‘very clever’ Newcastle player this summer now

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Newcastle United had to rely on their academy last season.

The youth ranks at Newcastle have not always been the most productive over the years, albeit academy graduate Sean Longstaff has been a key figure in the first-team under Eddie Howe.

Still, with an injury crisis tearing through his more senior stars last season, Howe was forced to turn to developing talents.

Lewis Miley was of course the star on that front having made a rapid-fire adaption to life in the Premier League, while Ben Parkinson has also been the subject of praise.

More recently, young Trevan Sanusi has been in the spotlight.

Hailed as “very clever” for his performance against Urawa Red Diamonds in pre-season, the 17-year-old has been delighting supporters with some of his skills during the summer preparations.

Now, Howe has confirmed what lies ahead for the teenager.

Eddie Howe says he wants to keep Trevan Sanusi at Newcastle this season

Asked about the forward’s immediate future after the 4-0 win over Girona at St James’ Park on Friday night, Howe confirmed his desire to keep Sanusi for the season ahead.

“Personally I think it’s too early to loan him,” he said (via The Chronicle).

“The biggest thing we have to do is to develop his talent and to keep improving his game – but also develop him psychically.

“I thought he did well tonight. I think he’s got bits to learn, of course, for someone his age. Tactically he’s got things to improve. We’ve got to build him up physically to protect him and to make sure he’s robust enough to deal with the rigours of the Premier League. But he’s left a positive impression on us and I’m really pleased with him.”

Newcastle have been excited about Sanusi for a while

The club are thought to have beaten off big competition to sign Sanusi from Birmingham last year, such is the level of excitement about him in the game.

Even back in March, there were suggestions coaching staff were excited about his development, so it certainly seems as if he’s highly rated behind the scenes. Back then, it was even thought that Howe was considering handing the teen a debut.

While Sanusi is still a young talent and must be developed before he’s thrown into regular Premier League action, it’s certainly exciting to imagine him coming into at least some of the action this season.

If he can produce half as much as Miley did, Newcastle have a player on their hands.