OFFICIAL: Charlie McArthur joins Newcastle from Kilmarnock

Another one in the bag for Newcastle United this summer after the club made official the signing of Charlie McArthur from Scottish side Kilmarnock.

It is a little over two weeks since we first wrote about this signing echoing a report by The Athletic that was headed in the right direction by the news breaking off the Magpies offices on Wednesday.

After signing Matt Targett from Aston Villa following his midseason loan and landing another young defender in Alex Murphy from Galway, Newcastle went on and kept building the strongest possible backline with the addition of Nick Pope from relegated Burnley to man the nets and Sven Botman from Lille to strengthen the center of the line along with January-signee Dan Burn.

It is now time for 17-year-old Charlie McArthur to join the Men in Black from Scottish side Kilmarnock. A sell-on fee between both clubs at around £350,000 and the personal terms were reportedly in place with the youngster two weeks ago when the first information about the operation was leaked.

No particular details about the deal—regarding the fee paid to Kilmarnock nor McArthur’s contract—have been shared by Newcastle United in its official note, but as a U18 player, the center-back can sign a maximum three-year deal. McArthur’s more than probably going to play with the reserves and underage teams of Newcastle before making the jump to the first team when he has more reps and experience under his belt, and also because of the über-strong competition at the CB position in the senior team after the acquisitions of Burn and Botman.

McArthur is already the captain of the Scotland U17 national side and debuted at the senior level just this past October. Alas, the lack of experience and the need for developing, honing, and improving his skill set before facing Premier League competition with the Magpies.

With Newcastle U18 finishing dead-last in the league and the U23 side not reaching the playoffs of its division any help will definitely be welcomed. And you can rest assured Charlie McArthur surely will be a hell of a great, cheap, efficient, and up-and-coming addition with a bright future ahead.

Howay Charlie Mac!