Howe struck gold on Newcastle ace whose value's risen 780% since his debut

Newcastle United could be set to enjoy their finest campaign under the leadership of Eddie Howe.

At the time of writing, the Magpies currently occupy sixth place in the Premier League table, although they are just three points off Manchester City in fourth.

With England likely receiving an extra Champions League spot this season, finishing in fifth position could see Newcastle qualify for the league phase of Europe’s premier club competition.

The club also has a chance to secure its first major trophy since 1969 when they face Liverpool in the EFL Cup final this month. Howe will be hoping that Alexander Isak returns from injury to feature, having missed the midweek loss to the Anfield side in the Premier League due to a groin injury.

The manager doesn’t have the best strength in depth, especially having failed to sign anyone during the winter transfer window.

However, there are several young players who have either been starring for the club or have the potential to in the future.

Newcastle have plenty of talented youngsters in their squad

With Isak injured, Callum Wilson came into the starting XI against the Reds in midweek, but offered little to no threat in the final third. Indeed, he managed just 17 touches and 8 passes before being subbed off.

William Osula replaced him with 20 minutes to go and showed more during his cameo than Wilson did in 70 minutes. There is no doubting his talent – he grabbed two assists and made three key passes during the club’s FA Cup clash against Birmingham City in February.

Lewis Hall is another youngster who has gone from strength to strength under Howe since joining the Magpies in the summer of 2023 from Chelsea.

He made 22 appearances during his maiden campaign in the north-east, but he has already surpassed that total this term, featuring 34 times in all competitions for the Toon.

Hall ranks in the top 15% for carries into the opposition penalty area per 90 (0.53) when compared to his positional peers in the Premier League, while he also ranks in the top 20% for successful take-on percentage per 90 (52.4%), demonstrating his attacking talents down the left flank.

These two have extraordinarily bright futures ahead of them and could both play a key part in Newcastle’s success over the next few years.

However, there is one player who has emerged from the academy that could outshine the pair, especially considering his impact aged only 18.

Lewis Miley looks like one of the best talents Newcastle have produced in recent years, and if he remains and develops at the club over the next couple of seasons, the Englishman could turn into a star.

Lewis Miley’s Newcastle statistics

Miley shone for the U18 side during the 2021/22 season, scoring twice and registering two assists across 24 matches. These types of performances certainly grabbed the attention of Howe, who gave him his debut the following campaign.

On his 17th birthday in May 2023, Miley signed his first professional contract with the club and was lauded by academy director Steve Harper, who said:

“Everyone at the Academy is delighted to see Lewis sign his first professional contract at the club. He’s been with us from a very early age and credit goes to everyone who has played a part to date.

“The admirable support from his family has been very important too but, ultimately, it is Lewis who deserves the most credit. His hard work, attitude to learning, and training as well as his technical ability has got him to this point.

“The contract is a fitting reward for his progress.”

His breakthrough came last term, where he made 26 appearances for the club, including three in the Champions League, slotting into the heart of the midfield with ease, even registering an assist against Milan during their final group stage match in the competition.

The 18-year-old had to wait until 21st December to make his Premier League bow this season due to suffering a metatarsal fracture and his subsequent recovery.

Despite playing just eight times in the top flight this season, Miley has already notched a goal, while the midfielder has also succeeded with 89% of his passes, recovered 1.3 balls per game and won an impressive 60% of his total duels since returning to the team.

He certainly looks like a new signing for Howe, and the more he plays between now and May, the better chance Newcastle have of finishing in the top five and securing a return to the promised land of the Champions League.

The future is bright for Miley. The only downside is that the better he plays, clubs may begin to show some interest in the teenager. But given his market value, Howe could make a significant profit on the youngster should he decide to cash in.

Lewis Miley’s market valuation at Newcastle

When Miley made his debut for the Magpies in May 2023 during a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in the Premier League, he was valued at just €2.5m (£2m) by Transfermarkt, which wasn’t a bad valuation considering his age and status in the squad.

Fast-forward nearly two years later, and the Englishman is now valued at €22m (£18m). This is a rise of 780% in less than two years, which is a staggering growth.

Should he continue to shine over the next few months, this market valuation will grow exponentially, especially if the midfielder can return to the starting XI on a regular basis under Howe.

Whatever happens, the manager has struck gold on the teenager, who made his debut aged just 17 before playing in the Champions League a few months later.

He won’t be looking to sell Miley, but if a massive bid comes in this summer, it might be difficult to turn down