Newcastle United’s relationship with Brighton could easily have been fractured after the Magpies nabbed Dan Burn and Dan Ashworth from them.
The Magpies have brought in some great people to the club since the chance of ownership. Burn and Ashworth are two examples – both for very different reasons.
The former arrived in the January transfer window for £13million. Newcastle searched high and low for a centre-back, with deals for Sven Botman and Diego Carlos collapsing.
Eddie Howe then turned to local lad Burn, and he has been a revelation in black and white. He was excellent last season, and has started the new campaign in fine form too. Burn is adored by fans, and well respected as a leader within the dressing room.
The next Dan to arrive from Brighton was Dan Ashworth. He was identified as the man Newcastle want as Sporting Director, and eventually they got him. After a period of gardening leave, the Magpies agreed a compensation package with the Seagulls for Ashworth to begin work this summer.
Newcastle’s owners haven’t even been in control for a year and they have already nabbed two key figures from Brighton. Yet their relationship hasn’t been hindered.
Brighton’s relationship with Newcastle is still positive
According to the Athletic, Brighton and Newcastle still have a good relationship despite deals for Burn and Ashworth. They report that the south coast side speak highly of how the new Toon owners conducted business.
From Newcastle’s perspective, the Athletic state they respected Brighton’s Ashworth stance. While a deal was agreed for him to move to Newcastle, he still had a notice period to serve. Brighton therefore wanted compensation, which was eventually reached in June.
It’s encouraging to see that the relationship between the two clubs hasn’t been impacted by recent deals. Brighton clearly handle business in a professional manner, and accept that people are allowed to leave their club providing the terms are right for them.
While the two clubs have a good relationship off the pitch, that might not apply to on it after tomorrow. Newcastle head to the Amex to face Brighton, in what is set to be a great game of football.
Hopefully it’s Eddie Howe’s boys who come out on top rather than Graham Potter and co.
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