Nigeria-eligible midfielder Sam Alabi has received the perfect birthday present after signing his first professional contract with Newcastle United on his 17th birthday.
Under Football Association regulations, players become eligible to sign their first professional contract when they turn 17, making the landmark agreement a fitting way to celebrate the occasion.
The Magpies confirmed on their official website on Thursday that the dual-national midfielder had put pen to paper on his maiden professional deal.
Born on July 9, 2009, to Nigerian parents, Alabi is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Newcastle United's academy.
His rapid progress was underlined by four first-team call-ups as a 16-year-old during the 2025–26 season.
The Manchester-born youngster was an unused substitute in the UEFA Champions League clash against Marseille, as well as Premier League fixtures against Manchester United and Burnley, before also being named in the matchday squad for the FA Cup tie against Bournemouth.
Alabi joined Newcastle United's academy from Oldham Athletic at the age of 14 and has continued to impress with his performances in the youth ranks.
On the international stage, he captained England's Young Lions in UEFA European U17 Championship qualifying matches against Scotland and Lithuania last October.
Having trained regularly with Eddie Howe's first-team squad last season, Alabi will now be aiming to make his senior debut for Newcastle United during the upcoming campaign.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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