- Newcastle United tie Lewis Miley to new contract
- Why Miley’s deal is so important
- Miley is the future of the Magpies’ midfield
Whilst Newcastle United’s summer window will be defined by their ability to sign players, especially given the shortcomings of last year’s window, perhaps the most pertinent issue is keeping hold of the big players currently at the club.
Today, the Magpies took the first step on that journey, securing the future with a new long-term deal for the exceptionally talented Lewis Miley. There had been some speculation surrounding a possible swoop by one of Europe’s elite, but the club have now put that to rest by tying him down to a shiny new deal.
Miley’s new deal runs until 2032 and secures Newcastle’s position should any clubs try their luck to pry him away from Tyneside. Speaking about the new deal, Miley said, “It’s been an amazing journey so far and I’m so excited for what’s ahead. I’m now working hard every day to get back on the pitch even stronger next season and start to repay the faith that has been shown in me.”
Why Miley’s new deal is so important
The reports around possible departures are swirling as fiercely as always, with each of Newcastle’s big stars already being linked away from the club.
The most concerning of which, from a Geordie perspective, are those of both Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali, who make up the overwhelming bulk of the midfield quality.
Whilst it is unlikely that both of them leave in the coming window, Newcastle must start preparing for a future without either at the club, as whether it be this year or down the line, holding onto either seems unlikely.
A new signing in the midfield area is expected this summer, but the Magpies must look inward if they are to maintain the sustainability of the squad going forward, hence why Lewis Miley’s new deal is so important.
As a graduate from the academy and a boyhood Newcastle fan, Miley has established himself as one of the Premier League’s top talents during his time in the first-team picture.
His minutes haven’t been that of an established starting member just yet, but Miley has shown versatility in his ability to play right-back as well, whilst also being one of Newcastle’s best players this season when he has played.
In fact, his presence has been felt so much that, amidst his current injury, his absence has been glaringly obvious toward the back end of the season.
Improved pathways & avoiding Anderson repeat
Newcastle United have been open recently about the want, and need, to continue improving the first-team pathway for academy graduates. Miley’s new contract is not only for him but also for the current academy players with dreams of playing at St James’ Park.
It shows that players won’t just be brought through to be sold on or loaned out before fading into the background. They will instead have chances to become an integral part of the first-team picture if they put in the hard work like Miley has.
For the club themselves, it is also a show of steps forward and learning from the grave mistakes of previous years.
The most prominent of which is Elliot Anderson. An academy graduate brought through to the first team but sold for £35m in aid of financial regulations, who is now set to be sold by Nottingham Foest for £100m this summer.
The club simply can’t afford repeats of those situations and must guard against it becoming a habit at every turn.
They have a player in Lewis Miley who could be the future of the football club if used and developed correctly. Miley has all of the attributes to not only be at the heart of Newcastle United’s success for the next decade but also become one of the top midfielders in world football.
And signing that new contract is a sign that the club recognise exactly that.
