Bradley Cross: SA youth international joins Newcastle United

English Premier League (EPL) outfit Newcastle United has announced the signing of former Mpumalanga Black Aces and Bidvest Wits youngster Bradley Cross.

The 19-year-old holds a dual passport, making him eligible to represent both England and South Africa, but has turned out for the latter at Under-20 level.

Bradley Cross joins Newcastle United 

After spending the past two years in Germany, with Bundesliga outfit Schalke 04 reserves, he has made the move to the Magpies, where he will join their academy side.

Newcastle confirmed that Cross has penned a two-year with the club.

“We’re looking to bring Brad in to try and add depth to the squad. He’s played at Bidvest in South Africa and spent some time at Schalke most recently and I’ve had some good feedback on him during his time in Germany,” said United youth coach, Chris Hogg.

“It’s an option where we looked at to bring in a left-footed defender and add some quality to the group but also to try and enhance the environment on a personal level too.

“He’s a well-rounded character who made a good impression with everyone in terms of how he has behaved and how he conducts himself. We want people here who want to work hard and do things right so, from our point of view, we’re delighted to have him and look forward to developing his game and seeing how far we can take him.” 

Chris Hogg, Newcastle United

Cross played for Mpumalanga Black Aces youth side before joining Wits in 2018.

The now-defunct Johannesburg outfit loaned him out to Schalke, where his contract ran out after two years.

The highly-rated Cross first featured in national Under-20 colours as a 20-year-old.