Kyle Scott signs with Newcastle United

Yesterday, Newcastle United announced the signing of free agent midfielder Kyle Scott. The move has been reported since early June, but was held up due to the club’s managerial turnover. He made his preseason debut with the reserves on the same day as the announcement, entering in the 60th minute of a 2-0 victory over Rotherham United.

The American youth international recently departed Chelsea, following the expiration of his contract. He was a key figure in the club’s multiple successful FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League campaigns, playing 12 years in the academy and reserve system. Scott spent part of last season with SC Telstar in the Dutch Eerste Divisie, scoring two goals in 14 appearances, before a mutual termination of the loan.

It appears that Scott will begin his Newcastle tenure with the under-23 side, but seems much more optimistic about his chances of advancement than at his previous club. “Looking at the opportunity here, it’s even greater than at clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City,” Scott said in an interview with nufc.co.uk. “Newcastle is a massive club with massive history, and for young kids they get that opportunity…so it’s a good opportunity for me.”

Newcastle finished last season in 13^th place in the Premier League, with 45 points from 38 matches. The club recently appointed Steve Bruce as manager following the departure of Rafael Benítez.

Scott is eligible to represent the United States, England, Ireland, and Italy. He has appeared with the U.S. under-18 and under-20 sides. In 2018, Scott informed American Soccer Now that despite turning down a few camps due to club obligations, he remains interested in future call-ups.

Will Kyle Scott break through at Newcastle? Let us know in the comment section.