Duo pictured travelling to Newcastle United – Airport snaps before potential transfer

Gambian teenagers Omar Marong and Alieu Saine arrived in the UK on Sunday for a month-long trial with Newcastle United after impressing at the WAFU U-17 Tournament.

TMT Academy youngsters Omar Marong and Alieu Saine travelled to England on Sunday to undergo a month-long trial with Newcastle United. The 16-year-old midfielder Marong captained Gambia U17 at the WAFU A U-17 Tournament in September, while forward Saine scored four goals as the Baby Scorpions won the competition by defeating Senegal in the final.

Newcastle arranged the trial through Beyond Borders Agency, with local coach Ebrima Sonko facilitating the opportunity. Sonko said the trial "presents an important opportunity for the two TMT talents to take another step in their football development and showcase their abilities on a bigger stage."

The move reflects Newcastle's continued interest in Gambian talent following their 2023 signing of Yankuba Minteh from Odense. Minteh was loaned to Feyenoord before being sold to Brighton in 2024, where he has since attracted Liverpool's attention. How Marong and Saine perform during their trial will determine whether Newcastle pursue permanent deals.