Newport County have signed left-back Alfie Merritt on a season-long loan from Bournemouth. The 18-year-old featured on trial for the Exiles in pre-season and started in Tuesday's 4-1 friendly defeat by Italian giants Roma at Rodney Parade.
Merritt signed his first professional contract with the Cherries last summer and got a taste of senior football when making 13 appearances for Totton in Southern League Premier South last season.
Why it matters for Newport County
The teenager will now spend the 2026-27 campaign with County in League Two, competing with Tom Davies for the start at left-back. Merritt could make his debut against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup on Saturday, 8 August.
Merritt is the first signing made since the appointment of Hayden Mullins as manager and the ninth in total. With their next fixture vs Crewe at home on 2027-02-27, Newport County are currently 5th in the table, and this new signing will look to make an impact on the team's performance.
