‘We are destroying careers’ – Newcastle fans fume as ‘disappointing’ departure confirmed
Newcastle United have announced that they have parted ways with Cathal Heffernan, who has joined Harrogate Town on a permanent deal.
The 20-year-old centre-back has taken the next stage of his career, joining the League Two side in the search for regular first-team football.
The Magpies previously signed the youngster from AC Milan in 2023, and he has been a regular for the Under 21s squad this season, captaining the side.
Now, many of the St James’ Park faithful are less than impressed with the departure as Newcastle see another youngster leave the club.
Cathal Heffernan has completed a permanent transfer to League Two club Harrogate Town 🤝
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 15, 2026
We would like to wish Cathal the very best of luck as he takes the next step in his career ⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/CU4qoBCq2H
Newcastle fans unimpressed with Cathal Heffernan departure
Newcastle’s supporters have already been frustrated with the January transfer window.
To date, the Magpies have not brought in a single player in January despite Newcastle being in the race for the Champions League spots.
As a result, when it was revealed that another youngster had left St James’ Park this winter, supporters were far from pleased.
Many fans quickly took to X to express their disappointment that Heffernan had departed.
Hope there’s a buy back option, he’s a decent ball playing centre back
— grumpy_old_sod (@AndyHarle1968) January 15, 2026
Why sell a promising young centre-back in the middle of a centre-back injury crisis?
— Collin G. Woodstreet (@LastLegsFC) January 15, 2026
Are you having a laugh?
— Ftblldt (@ftblldt) January 15, 2026
That’s disappointing. I thought he’d be better.
— John McHale (@TheMachine1981) January 15, 2026
Fans were also quick to criticise how the Magpies have been handling the academy in recent years, with another star who was deemed to have big potential not reaching the heights expected of him.
I recall he was touted as ‘one for the future’. My question would be who is responsible for destroying careers at the club?!?
— HogginPragueNUFC (@hogginprague) January 16, 2026
Apart from Miley, give me a name of a player who has progressed ‘through the system’. I can name ten who have had their careers ruined by #NUFC.
We are taking players from AC Milan and turning them into Sunday league players.
— Stephen Willis (@wincynufc) January 15, 2026
Wasn’t he meant to be the next big thing? Our youth system is highly concerning. Nevertheless best of luck to him 🖤🤍
— ……. (@Themags93) January 15, 2026
What other business are Newcastle expected to do in January?
As it stands, further departures look likely at Newcastle before the January transfer window closes.
Jamaal Lascelles is linked with a potential move to West Ham United as he continues to struggle to return to the first team.
On top of this, Football Insider revealed this week that Joe Willock could push for a move away from St James’ Park in the January transfer window. The 26-year-old has only started two Premier League games all season and sources have indicated that he is keen to move elsewhere for the second half of the campaign.
Therefore, it is unlikely that Newcastle fans will be satisfied with the January transfer window anytime soon as the wait goes on for potential incomings this month.
However, it remains to be seen if further incomings are made in the coming weeks as the window nears its completion.