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Newcastle Youngster Leo Shahar Set To Start Against Liverpool
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- Newcastle Youngster Leo Shahar Set To Start Against Liverpool
(REUTERS)
Newcastle United youngster Leo Shahar is reportedly set to be handed a starting role against Liverpool when the Magpies open their 2026/27 Premier League campaign at St James' Park next weekend.
The 19-year-old defender has emerged as a genuine contender for a place in Matthias Jaissle's starting XI, with Newcastle facing a number of questions over their options at right-back ahead of the highly anticipated clash on Sunday, August 23.
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Newcastle's meeting with Liverpool will kick off at 4:30pm at St James' Park and represents Jaissle's first competitive Premier League fixture in charge of the club.
Shahar's potential selection would represent a major milestone in the youngster's rapidly developing career.
The Wolverhampton-born defender joined Newcastle from Wolves after spending a decade with his boyhood club. He signed his first professional contract with the Magpies in May 2024 and has continued to develop through the club's academy.
His progress has already seen him make the step into senior football. Newcastle's official profile confirms that Shahar made his senior debut in 2026, coming off the bench during the club's emphatic 6-1 Champions League knockout play-off victory over Qarabağ.
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He has also been involved heavily during Newcastle's preparations for the new campaign.
Shahar started at right-back in Newcastle's opening pre-season fixture against Darlington, with the Magpies running out 3-0 winners. His inclusion in that first-half side alongside senior players demonstrated that he was firmly in contention for opportunities around the first team.
The current situation at right-back could now provide Shahar with his biggest opportunity yet.
Tino Livramento has been reported as a doubt for the Liverpool fixture, while Newcastle continue to assess their defensive options. That uncertainty has opened the door for Shahar, who has impressed sufficiently to be considered for a starting berth against one of the Premier League's biggest sides.
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The timing could hardly be more significant.
Liverpool's visit will see Newcastle begin the new Premier League campaign under Jaissle, while the Reds are also entering a new era under Andoni Iraola . The match will attract enormous attention, particularly with former Newcastle striker Alexander Isak returning to St James' Park following his controversial move to Liverpool.
For Shahar, however, the focus will be on proving that he belongs at this level.
The teenager has already represented England at youth level and was part of the Young Lions squad at the 2024 European Under-17 Championship. Newcastle have also shown their faith in his potential by agreeing a new deal with the defender in 2025.
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A Premier League start against Liverpool would therefore be another significant step in a journey that has progressed quickly.
It would also fit with Newcastle's increasing willingness to give opportunities to young players. With a new head coach in place and a squad still evolving during the summer transfer window, academy prospects such as Shahar have an opportunity to force their way into the first-team picture.
There is, of course, still time for the situation to change before kick-off. Newcastle have further preparations to complete, including their remaining pre-season fixtures, and Jaissle will have plenty to consider before naming his first competitive XI.
But if current expectations prove correct, Leo Shahar could be one of the most intriguing names on the teamsheet when Liverpool arrive on Tyneside.
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For a player who only recently made his senior debut, starting a Premier League opener against Liverpool would be a huge challenge.
It could also be the moment Newcastle supporters begin to see the next academy graduate establish himself on the biggest stage.
