Ben Parkinson Completes Permanent Move from Newcastle United to Falkirk

11 January 2026 Football Transfers

Academy Graduate Departs St James’ Park

Newcastle United have sold Ben Parkinson to Falkirk, marking the end of a 13-year journey with his boyhood club. The 20-year-old, who joined the Magpies’ Academy aged seven, progressed through the club’s youth system and signed his first professional contract in 2023. The transfer represents a significant step for the Durham-born forward as he seeks regular first-team football.

Limited First-Team Opportunities at Newcastle

Despite his development through Newcastle’s youth ranks, Parkinson’s opportunities at senior level remained limited. He made his Premier League debut later that year, featuring as a second-half substitute against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. However, it remained his only competitive appearance for The Magpies’ first team prior to his departure.

The Durham-born forward scored eight goals in 11 Premier League 2 appearances last season, as well as netting against Bradford City in the EFL Trophy. His impressive form at youth level demonstrated his potential, but breaking into Eddie Howe’s first-team squad proved challenging.

New Chapter in Scotland

Falkirk Football Club announced the signing of Ben Parkinson from Newcastle United FC for an undisclosed fee, with the striker joining on a two-and half-year deal. He will now link up with John McGlynn’s side who currently sit sixth in the Scottish Premiership following promotion in the 2024/25 season.

Falkirk manager John McGlynn revealed the club had pursued Parkinson for months. “Ben Parkinson is one we were very much interested in during the summer, but we were a little bit gazumped at the time,” McGlynn explained.

Looking Ahead

For Parkinson, the move offers the chance to establish himself in senior football. “It’s about playing now, building myself back up, assessing my options,” Parkinson admitted before the transfer. The Scottish Premiership provides an ideal platform for the young striker to gain valuable experience and develop his career beyond Newcastle’s academy system.