Newcastle United sign Kilmarnock starlet Charlie McArthur as Scotland youth captain earns Premier League transfer
NEWCASTLE UNITED have signed Charlie McArthur from Kilmarnock for an undisclosed fee.
The 17-year-old central defender, who captained Scotland's Under-17s at this summer's Euros, will go straight into the Magpies' Under-18s squad.
McArthur made his debut for Killie in April this year against Raith Rovers.
He was also named Academy Rising Star of the Year for the Ayrshire club.
As the youngsters departs Rugby Park for the Premier League, Killie boss Derek McInnes told the club's website: “We understood, like all Scottish clubs, that we’re vulnerable to the richest league in the world with all the money that is available there.
“Ideally Charlie, as a Kilmarnock supporter, would have played 100 games for the Kilmarnock first team and we would have gotten a lot of satisfaction in seeing that.
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“Unfortunately for us, a bigger club has come along and identified he’s a good player, which he is. The move was something that Charlie was keen on so once we established that with his agents, then it was all about us getting the fee that we wanted, which thankfully we did.
“We wish Charlie all the best. He’s a great kid and he’s someone we’ve really been impressed with in the short time that I’ve been here.
“You can see exactly why Newcastle would want to bring him into their system and we’ll look out for him and hope he does well there. He will always be welcome back at Rugby Park.”
A Newcastle statement read: "Newcastle United are pleased to confirm the signing of young defender Charlie McArthur from Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock subject to international clearance.
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"The 17-year-old centre-back, who captained Scotland at this summer's Under-17 European Championship in Israel, made his senior debut for Killie as a 16-year-old in October 2021 during a Scottish Challenge Cup last-16 win against Queen's Park.
"The defender made a further three appearances for the 2021/22 Scottish Championship winners, including his league bow in April during a 1-1 draw against Raith Rovers.
"The promising youngster, who attracted strong interest from a number of Premier League clubs, will link up with United's under-18 side ahead of the 2022/23 campaign."
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page