Newcastle United Complete Double Raid on Rangers as Oliver Goodbrand Joins Academy
Newcastle United have continued their investment in youth by securing the signature of highly‑rated left‑back Oliver Goodbrand from Rangers. The 16‑year‑old defender is set to join Newcastle’s academy ahead of the 2025–26 campaign, following fellow Scottish prospect Alfie Hutchison in what is shaping up to be a double raid on the Ibrox side .
Goodbrand rejected the opportunity to sign professional terms with Rangers this summer, instead choosing to pursue his development in England. Although no transfer fee was involved, Newcastle will pay training and development compensation to the Glasgow club .
Profile: A Promising Young Full‑Back
A left‑footed defender, Goodbrand made his debut for Rangers B at just 15 and has captained Scotland at youth level, including the under‑16 Victory Shield . Known for his composure and maturity on the ball, he is highly rated for his defensive awareness and ability to contribute to attack from full‑back. Reports suggest he has also drawn interest from clubs outside the UK, underscoring his burgeoning reputation .
Medical and Academy Integration
Newcastle insiders report that Goodbrand recently travelled to Tyneside for a medical and is expected to be integrated into the Under‑18 setup. From there, progression to the Under‑21s could come swiftly, mirroring the pathway recently paved by Alfie Hutchison .
The move reflects Newcastle’s broader strategic shift under their new ownership. With a focus on academy investment and long‑term player development, the club has actively recruited from Scotland—joining others like Hutchison—to enrich their youth ranks .
Strategic Context: A Youth Movement
This recruitment campaign aligns with Newcastle’s push to balance Premier League squad building with sustainable growth through young talent. By attracting gifted teenagers like Goodbrand and Hutchison, the club hopes to emulate academies such as Manchester City and Chelsea—producing first‑team players or profitable sales .
Moreover, participation in competitions like the UEFA Youth League offers these players top‑level exposure and competitive growth—an appealing prospect when evaluating potential moves .
What’s Next
All eyes will be on Tyneside this summer to see how Goodbrand settles into life in Newcastle. Should his development follow the upward trajectory anticipated, he could become a key asset for Eddie Howe’s youth system and perhaps—even more ambitiously—the senior squad in years to come.
This transfer underscores Newcastle’s ambition to build a robust academy pipeline, leveraging cross-border scouting and investment in youth as a cornerstone of their long‑term footballing strategy.