Jordan Hackett, who was released from Tottenham’s academy last month, has opened up on the reasons behind his decision to leave London to move to Newcastle United.
Hackett made 13 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham’s Under-18s last season and 19 during the 2020/21 campaign (Transfermarkt).
The North London club announced last month that the left-back is one of five Under-18s players who would be departing the club at the end of the scholarship, along with Jez Davies, Khalon Haysman, Renaldo Torraj and Oliver Turner.
The Sun reported last week that the teenager had decided not to sign a contract with Spurs, and was instead set to complete a move to Newcastle after a successful trial with the Magpies.
Newcastle confirmed on Monday that the 18-year-old was one of eight players who had penned their first professional contracts with the club.
Hackett, who has represented England at Under-15s, 16s and 18s levels, has now admitted that he wanted to move away from his comfort zone.
The full-back insisted that he is excited to be working under a manager like Eddie Howe, given his reputation for trusting young players.
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Hackett told Newcastle United’s official site: “When I was here on trial for the week, I really enjoyed it. The lads have made me feel welcome from the first day I stepped into the building.
“It was a hard decision to move away from London – my mum didn’t like it – but you have to do what you have to do to make a career in the game and I think this is the best decision for myself.”
“I like Eddie Howe – he’s a good manager who knows what he’s doing – and he likes younger players. He was a big factor in joining the club because if I do well, he will take a look at me or think about using me.
“I also felt like I needed a change from London. I knew everything in the city and was getting too comfortable. I like being out of my comfort zone in order to push myself.
“It’s a good feeling to sign a contract at such a big, prestigious club. It’s going to be a challenge for me but one I’m looking forward to.”
Spurs Web Opinion
The report from The Sun seems to suggest that it is Hackett who decided not to sign a new contract with Spurs rather than the North London club not offering him a new deal.
The fact that the youngster was not a regular starter for the Under-18s last season suggests that he was not highly valued at Tottenham, and perhaps that was behind his decision to join Newcastle.
However, the teenager is certainly going to have his work cut out to break into the Newcastle first-team over the coming years, given the Magpies’ newly acquired spending power after the change in ownership.
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