Newcastle United’s summer transfer plans are taking shape, regardless of whether or not Dan Ashworth arrives.
The Magpies navigated the January transfer window without a director of football, but the new owners have always had intentions of employing one.
Dan Ashworth appears to be the man for the job. He was first linked with Newcastle before Christmas.
He’s since resigned from his post at Brighton, where the Seagulls confirmed he would be joining another Premier League club. Reports have since named Newcastle as the club in question.
Ashworth is set to be named Newcastle’s sporting director, but compensation is delaying the process. The 51-year-old is currently on gardening leave.
The Magpies are trying to negotiate compensation with Brighton to end his notice period early. However, Athletic reporter George Caulkin admits that Newcastle are in no rush.
Newcastle’s summer can go on without Ashworth
Speaking on the latest episode of Pod On The Tyne, Caulkin admitted Newcastle could go into the summer without Ashworth.
“It’s not as if Newcastle are desperate for him to come in before the summer because of transfers,” Caulkin said.
“Newcastle’s transfer plans for the summer are already taking shape. They’re very, very happy with the way Steve Nickson worked with them over January. If it comes to that I’m sure they’ll be fine. There’s no desperation.
“They are dead set on Ashworth arriving. He will arrive, that’s not in question. But, at the same time, they’re not going to go and pay massively over the odds to shorten his notice period.”
Ashworth is a long-term hire
Despite a lot of pressure, Newcastle did very well in January. The new signings all improved Eddie Howe’s squad, and have played a part in the Magpies climbing the Premier League table.
Yes, there were setbacks. The pursuits of Sven Botman, Diego Carlos and Jesse Lingard ended in disappointment. But that was inevitable, and would’ve happened even if a director of football had been in place.
The club’s new hierarchy did a fantastic job of identifying the players required and getting key deals over the line.
Fans should not be concerned if Ashworth doesn’t arrive in time to influence Newcastle’s summer spending. Ashworth’s impact at St James’ Park will be about long-term gains, rather than short-term transfer solutions.
He will dictate the direction the club goes in, connecting the recruitment and the academy to produce a team that is all pulling in the same direction.
Newcastle are right not to throw cash at Brighton to land Ashworth as soon as possible.
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