The Manchester-born youngster, who joined Newcastle's Academy from Oldham Athletic as a 14-year-old, was named in a senior matchday squad for the first time during Newcastle's UEFA Champions League clash away at Olympique de Marseille last season before featuring on the bench for three further competitive fixtures as a 16-year-old.

Alabi, who has captained England at under-17 level, believes the opportunities he was presented with last season played a factor in pledging his future with the Magpies.

"It's a very good moment," Alabi told newcastleunited.com. "It shows my sacrifice, hard work and levels of dedication that I've been putting into this. I know this is just the start and there's more to achieve.

"I think the pathway at the Academy and the opportunities I was given last season convinced me to sign. It was really eye-opening and when I saw these opportunities that were there to take, I thought I took them really well.

"Before I signed for the club, I saw Newcastle had something different which was out of my comfort zone. It was a different challenge but I backed myself and believed I was good enough."

Alabi, who made his first start for United's under-21s during November's EFL Trophy clash against Harrogate Town, trained with Eddie Howe's squad on a number of occasions last season and admitted he quickly bonded with his senior peers.

The highly-rated central midfielder is fully determined to continue his progression through the Magpies' youth ranks despite suffering a shin injury in January which ruled him out for the remainder of the previous campaign.

"My qualities and desire got me there as I was putting in the work every single day in training," he explained. "I think I gelled with the senior players which was a big thing.

"I speak to Joe Willock and Jacob Ramsey. Joe messages me to offer information on how I can improve and keep improving.

"When I got injured at the start of the year, Jacob messaged me and told me to keep focussed so when I get back, I'm ready for pre-season because, hopefully, I can go away with the first team.

"As the season starts, I want to kick on, push into the first team and make my debut. If it wasn't for my injury last season, I believe I could've done that so, this season, I know I have to push. It's all down to me.

"I'm always pushing for more. Last season, I was on the bench for the first team but I always want more. I want to make sure that I've done everything I can and put my all into it."

Despite his tender age, Alabi bestows a quiet confidence in his own footballing ability and, after a breakthrough campaign at youth level, is relishing a return to action ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

"Nothing really fazes me," Alabi added. "If I go into a different environment, I always back myself to train to a strong standard and more.

"After my injury, I was out for a long time but it taught me to be resilient and keep focussed when I was out. My biggest belief is self-belief. I've started something so it's up to me to finish it.

"I was delighted with how everything well last season but that's all behind me now. I can't slack and I have to push."

Academy Director Steve Harper added: “Sam took a big step coming to Newcastle at a young age and he’s embraced every challenge since. His development over the last few years has been very positive and everyone across the Academy is proud to see him earn his first professional contract.

“To see him reach this stage, having already experienced first-team involvement and international recognition, is something we’re all incredibly proud of and we’re looking forward to seeing him continue that progression this season.”