Alfie Harrison arrived at Newcastle United from Manchester City for a cash fee - but was told his run was over last spring and is now plying his trade with Dundee

Former Newcastle United youngster Alfie Harrison has spoken of his shock after being told he had been released by the Magpies earlier this year.

After playing in pre-season under Eddie Howe and arriving for a cash fee in 2024 from Manchester City, forward Harrison did not play a competitive game. The writing was on the wall for Harrison last autumn when he was left out of a series of Newcastle's Champions League squads despite injuries beginning to cut into Howe's squad.

After signing for Dundee in the Scottish Premiership, Harrison has spoken for the first time since his Toon exit. Harrison told the Dundee Courier: "It was something I’ve never really experienced in my career before.

“It does shock you but it’s all part of the game and it’s stuff you’ve got to overcome.

“Obviously, it’s not something a player would want to go through but sometimes something like that makes you realise it’s the reality.

“It made me more eager to make sure this doesn’t happen again. Men’s football is what I’ve needed for a long time.

“Coming through the ranks, being at City, obviously your name blows up.

“Then over time it can get quieter but now it’s probably the hungriest I’ve ever been to prove myself – I see it as a real opportunity to push on and do really well.”

Harrison spoke glowingly of his time at Manchester City and praised Pep Guardiola during his early years at the Etihad Stadium. The youngster said: "Pep always involves the young players and asks how you are.

"Obviously, he’s putting more time into the starting XI and sometimes you can just be helping out but he always made you feel involved.”

"I had quite a few opportunities to train with the first team under Pep Guardiola.

"Seeing one of the best teams in the world and how they train day in, day out, learning from the seasoned pros was a great experience. It’s something I think helped me.

"It’s a big step up and you’ve got to hold your own. There’s not really much room for error, so you’ve got to adapt quickly."

On signing Harrison, Newcastle released a statement two years ago reading: "Midfielder Alfie Harrison has joined Newcastle United until the summer of 2026, signing for an undisclosed fee from Manchester City, subject to the necessary approvals."

Academy director Steve Harper added at the time: "We are delighted to secure Alfie's signature. His hunger to represent Newcastle United and continue his development here was obvious from the outset.

"He's a passionate, talented player who we are really looking forward to welcoming to the club and ultimately seeing in a black and white shirt.

"Alfie's signing is part of a strategic move to make our PDP group younger, particularly the Under-21s, and I would like to thank the board and everybody involved at the club in making this move happen."

However, he only featured in Sela Weekender games for Newcastle against RCD Espanyol and Atletico Madrid before his eventual release.