Former Wolves academy outsider Travis Hernes has shared his thoughts on being released by the club before joining Newcastle United last summer.
Wolves have seen their fair share of academy talent over the years, none quite as profitable as the £42.5m sale of Morgan Gibbs-White to Nottingham Forest back in the summer of 2022.
A year later in the summer of 2023, another individual familiar with the academy setting at Molineux made the headlines for making a switch in the Premier League, as Newcastle United captured the signature of Norweigan teen, Travis Hernes.
Travis Hernes was released by Wolves earlier in his career
The 18-year-old midfielder joined Eddie Howe’s side last summer, making the move from League One outfit Shrewsbury Town, where he had made a name for himself after facing rejection in his younger years.
Prior to his move to Shrewsbury, Hernes represented Wolves’ academy, however, things didn’t work out for the teen as he was released due to questions over his early ability, as he revealed in an interview with Norweigan media.
Now, the teen is starting to get closer to the Premier League at a senior level, as he was named on the bench for Howe’s side’s trip to Villa Park in January to reinforce his development as a player.
What Travis Hernes has said about Wolves since joining Newcastle United
Speaking to Norweigan outlet TV2, as relayed by Sport Witness, the 18-year-old gleamed as he recalled his delight to being named as part of the first-team squad, and had some words to say about Wolves.
“They [Wolves] said I wasn’t good enough. I was really upset. When you’re from Norway, the only thing you want to do is play for a Premier League club.”
There didn’t seem to be any love lost from the midfielder as he explained his joy at getting revenge over his former club when playing against the Old Gold as a 16-year-old for Shrewsbury.
“When I was 16, I ended up playing against Wolverhampton, and then I ended up scoring against them. So even though I was really upset at first, I think it was for the best.”
Being released as a young player is one of the toughest challenges an aspiring professional can experience, with Hernes’ journey to make it to the Premier League being a testament to his hard work and talent.
Only time will tell if the teenager can get additional revenge on Wolves at senior level, with securing Premier League minutes for the Magpies surely on his mind.