Newcastle United complete double youth signings of Stefan O’Connor and Josef Yarney

Peter Beardsley has bolstered his U23s squad as more games are to be added due to the Magpies involvement in the Checkatrade Trophy.

Newcastle United complete double youth signings of Stefan O’Connor and Josef Yarney
jordan-cronin
By Jordan Cronin

Newcastle United have confirmed a double under-23s swoop for Stefan O’Connor and Josef Yarney

A statement revealed on the club's official website said that both players "put pen to paper on contracts at St James’ Park, and will link up with Peter Beardsley and Ben Dawson’s Under-23s squad."

The club added: "Both players have begun pre-season training with the rest of United’s development squad at the Little Benton Academy, and could feature when the Under-23s travel to Darlington for their first pre-season friendly on Monday, 17th July."

Defensive duo and Champions League experience... 

The pair join from Arsenal and Everton, respectively, and one carries Champions League experience.

O'Connor, aged 20, made his only senior appearance for the Gunners in the Champions League against Galatasaray in 2014.

The defender replaced former Magpies full-back Mathieu Debuchy for the final 13 minutes as Arsenal ran out 4-1 winners.  

O'Connor makes his Arsenal and Champions League debut (Photo: GettyImages/ David Price)
O'Connor makes his Arsenal and Champions League debut (Photo: GettyImages/ David Price)

The former England Under-17 international has had loans spells with then League Two York City and Dutch side MVV Maastricht - making just four appearances for both. 

Yarney, who had been at Everton since 2014, was an ever-present member in the Toffees' under 23s set up last season.

The 19-year-old received plaudits for his performances in Everton's Checkatrade Trophy campaign - making three appearances. 

Yarney competes against Gary Madine in Checkatade Trophy (Photo: GettyImages/ Nathan Stirk)
Yarney competes against Gary Madine in Checkatade Trophy (Photo: GettyImages/ Nathan Stirk)

However, Yarney's final kick of a football in the Checkatrade Trophy was a disappointing one as it was his penalty miss that meant the Toffees' were eliminated on penalties by League Two side Blackpool.  

He went on trial with the Magpies last season, coming on once as a substitute during their final Premier League 2 game of the season, a 2-0 victory at Middlesbrough in April.

Other additions confirmed 

Meanwhile, Newcastle have received international clearance for fellow youngsters Juanito and Tyrique Bartlett.

Bartlett, son of former Charlton man, Shaun Bartlett, agreed a three-year contract on Tyneside in early January. 

Juanito has also been on Tyneside since the turn of the year having played a part in Newcastle's development team.