Dan Ashworth is a game-changing addition for Newcastle United.
The 51-year-old was confirmed as the club’s new Sporting Director last week, and has had a busy start to life at St James’ Park.
We’ve completed our first signing of the summer window with Matt Targett returning, while talk has intensified over further additions.
The future is incredibly bright for Newcastle, and Ashworth will play a big part in it.
His previous work has given him an excellent reputation. That’s why Toon fans are so buzzing to have him pulling the strings behind the scenes.
And one deal he almost completed for Brighton should massively excite supporters.
Newcastle want Darwin Nunez
Benfica striker Darwin Nunez is one of the hottest prospects in world football today.
He could be joining Liverpool for a huge amount of money, as the Reds look to improve their squad after missing out on the quadruple.
Getting Nunez will be a huge signing for Jurgen Klopp, as well as a blow for Newcastle.
The Magpies have been heavily linked with the 22-year-old. However, his desire to play in the Champions League means a move to St James’ Park isn’t on the cards.
Nunez’s Champions League credentials have been proven this season. He scored 34 goals in all competitions for Benfica, including six in 10 European appearances.
That’s why Newcastle and many others want him, but Ashworth has been aware of the striker’s talents for a while.
He almost signed for Brighton two years ago
Ashworth made some excellent signings during his time at Brighton. The likes of Yves Bissouma and Marc Cucurella are being tipped for even bigger moves.
He brought in brilliant players who were fit for purpose, but missed out on what would have been his best signing.
The Seagulls wanted to sign a striker in the summer of 2020, and identified a forward playing in Spain as the ideal candidate.
His name was Darwin Nunez, a young Uruguayan who was playing for Almeria at the time. He’d just enjoyed his first season in Europe, scoring 16 goals in the Spanish second tier.
Ashworth had found the perfect striker for Brighton but they were gazumped by Benfica, who he joined for £22million.
Brighton tried to land Nunez again last year, but couldn’t agree a fee.
Fast forward to 2022 and he’s one of the most in-demand strikers around. But Ashworth and his team knew about him early, and could have got him if more money was available.
This is an exciting glimpse into what Newcastle can expect. Ashworth is a man with his finger on the pulse, meaning we could be in pole position to land some of the young stars of the future in the coming years.
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