The ascent of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United has gone hand-in-hand with significant advancements in the club’s youth academy, reflecting the widespread progress since the PIF takeover.
Although Sean and Matty Longstaff broke through before this transformative phase, they are exceptions from what was otherwise a dry spell. During that time, Newcastle’s youth system resembled a barren desert, with numerous promising talents unable to fulfill their potential.
One such talent is Rolando Aarons—remember him? The speedy winger burst onto the scene with electrifying potential, but has since faded into obscurity after a steep fall from his brief moment of glory.
Aarons’ promising start In the past, former Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez had pushed for more investment, expressing frustration with the lack of inspiration and funding in the club’s youth development system.
Rising stars were rare. Prior to the Longstaff brothers, Adam Armstrong made his way through the youth system, but only managed 21 appearances without scoring before leaving the club.
While Armstrong is now a Premier League player, Aarons has faced a more unfortunate path, fading into obscurity after his once-promising start.
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It was truly a remarkable start. During the 2014/15 season, Rolando Aarons made a powerful debut on the big stage, netting two goals and providing an assist in just six appearances, including a goal and assist off the bench against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
He also scored in a stunning victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the League Cup. However, injuries soon hampered his progress, reducing him to a limited role. Despite this, Aarons’ talent was undeniable, and Newcastle fans were thrilled, believing they had discovered a future star.
Craig Hope of the Daily Mail even compared Aarons’ physique and style to Raheem Sterling, one of the most accomplished English players of his generation.
Peter Beardsley, Newcastle’s development manager at the time, remarked, “He’s like a flying left winger with great ability—really great ability. He’s one we have high hopes for in the first team. He’s probably the standout. We expect him to achieve great things.”
Raheem Sterling, now with Arsenal, has netted 123 Premier League goals and was once hailed as “an extraordinary player” by Pep Guardiola. Sterling played a key role in Manchester City’s dominance, helping them win numerous domestic titles during the club’s earlier rise to power.
Aarons’ career has taken a completely different trajectory, leaving many to wonder, “what could have been?”
Rolando Aarons’ market value in 2024/25
Aarons went through several loan spells at different levels before his Newcastle contract ended in 2021, prompting him to seek new opportunities elsewhere.
Now 28 years old, the two-cap Jamaica international has journeyed through various leagues in Europe and England without achieving the level of success anticipated from his early days. During his time at St. James’ Park, the versatile winger recorded four goals and three assists in 27 senior appearances. Unfortunately, despite last playing in the 2017/18 season, he has scored only five goals since then.
| Rolando Aarons: Career Stats by Club | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Club (*loanee) | Date | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| Newcastle United | 2014/15 – 2020/21 | 27 | 4 | 3 |
| NK Celje | 2023/24 -2024/25 | 22 | 1 | 3 |
| Slovan Liberec | 2018/19 | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| Wycombe Wanderers | 2019/20 | 13 | 2 | 0 |
| Motherwell | 2019/20 | 11 | 2 | 0 |
| Hellas Verona | 2017/18 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Sheffield Wednesday | 2018/19 | 10 | 1 | 1 |
| Stats via Transfermarkt | ||||
According to Football Transfers’ player valuation model, Aarons is currently valued at less than £100k, highlighting his significant decline. After his breakout, clubs like Arsenal were interested in signing him when he paused contract discussions with Newcastle nearly nine years ago.
It’s a classic case of missed potential. Once compared to the celebrated Raheem Sterling, Aarons faded away, but Newcastle fans will always cherish the brief moments of brilliance he brought during a challenging period for the club.
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