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.
What happened?
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.
What comes next?
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.
