Newcastle United have swooped in to sign 16-year-old Kacey Wooster from Southend United, despite strong interest from the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham.

Newcastle United have signed Southend United prodigy, Kacey Wooster, despite interest from Arsenal and others.

Wooster, a pupil from Redden Court School in Romford, made a splash in the football world when he debuted for Southend’s under-18 team at the tender age of 14.

The young striker has now switched allegiances, moving from Essex to the North East.

Dan Ashworth, who is heading up recruitment at Newcastle, has made it clear that the club is committed to strengthening not just the first team, but also their youth squads.

Wooster’s acquisition is merely the latest in a string of new faces joining the club from both the UK and abroad.

The initial deal for the youngster was sealed for a five-figure sum, according to the Echo report from 27 July 2023.

However, Southend United will continue to receive further payments should Wooster climb through the Newcastle ranks, owing to various contractual clauses.

For Arsenal, missing out on Wooster may signal a minor setback. Despite the club’s renowned Hale End academy, the North London side appears to have been outmuscled by Newcastle United’s proactive recruitment.

As for Wooster, his transition to St James’ Park represents an important milestone in his fledgling career.

The move to Newcastle United allows him a chance to develop his skills further, under the watchful eye of the new NUFC hierarchy.

Newcastle’s first match after sealing the deal with Wooster comes against Reading. It remains to be seen if Wooster will feature or if he will continue to develop within the youth system for now. Either way, eyes will be keenly fixed on how the young talent progresses under the Magpies’ tutelage