Every Newcastle signing under Dan Ashworth rated amid Manchester United battle

Newcastle United’s squad has been transformed since the arrival of the club’s new ownership back in 2021.

It may not have been the star names that many were predicting in the lead-up to the takeover but, under the guidance of Eddie Howe, Newcastle have gone from battling relegation to playing Champions League football in around two years.

Howe initially had a larger say in transfers but the reins were officially passed to Dan Ashworth in June 2022. The sporting director has since been the subject of interest from Manchester United and was recently placed on gardening leave until the end of 2025, with Newcastle demanding an eight-figure sum for Ashworth to be released from his contract.

Here’s a closer look at the signings that Ashworth has helped bring to St James’ Park:

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Successes

Nick Pope - £10m from Burnley (June 2022)

One of the first signings of Ashworth’s tenure and one of the most vital to Eddie Howe’s side. Pope was pivotal in helping the Magpies climb into the top four last season. The 31-year-old’s absence with a shoulder injury has been keenly felt this term, despite positive displays from deputy Martin Dubravka. A bargain.

Sven Botman - £35m from Lille (June 2022)

An almost ever-present at centre-back last season as Newcastle enjoyed their best campaign in decades. The 24-year-old is a leader at the back and it was a coup for Newcastle to win the battle for his signature.

Alexander Isak - £63m from Real Sociedad (August 2022)

Broke the club transfer record for good reason. Isak has been Newcastle’s focal point in attack and is only getting better.

The 24-year-old has scored 10 goals in 17 league games this season and would have an even more impressive tally if it weren’t for his groin injury issues. Healthy competition with Callum Wilson appears to push both strikers to be at their best.

Anthony Gordon - £45m from Everton (January 2023)

A talented prospect in his time at Everton but few could have predicted the transformation that has occurred this season. Gordon has 14 goal contributions in 24 Premier League games and seems to have developed an incredible knack for popping up with important goals. Plenty more to come from the 22-year-old.

Tino Livramento - £35m from Southampton (August 2023)

A few eyebrows may have been raised when Newcastle splashed out such a significant fee on a full-back but it has proven to be a shrewd move, given the club’s injury woes. Newcastle have signed a huge talent. Not exactly a bargain but the Magpies will hope that the 21-year-old proves to be value for money over time.

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Flops

Matt Targett - £15m from Aston Villa (June 2022)

Having helped Newcastle climb out of relation trouble during his initial loan spell, it seemed sensible business to sign the left-back permanently. However, shifting Dan Burn out to full-back and the subsequent signings of Lewis Hall and Livramento have restricted Targett’s opportunities, being limited to just 183 minutes of action this term.

Sandro Tonali - £55m from Milan (July 2023)

Newcastle have supported Tonali since the Italian received a ten-mon ban for gambling offences in October. Tonali has been doing extra training sessions and also using the time to improve his English, which all bodes well for the 23-year-old upon his return to the team.

However, being ruled out for the rest of the season after only playing 12 games for the club, it is impossible to call Tonali’s move a success so far.

Loris Karius - Free transfer (September 2022)

It is difficul to grade the signing of a back-up goalkeeper. However, it is more a sign of how Ashworth slightly mismanaged Newcastle's goalkeeping department last season.

Banking on Pope being undisputed number one, the club allowed Dubravka to join Manchester United on loan. While not making a league appearance, Dubravka did feature in Man United’s run to the Carabao Cup final before being recalled in January.

Dubravaka being cup-tied and a suspension for Pope meant that Karius’ sole appearance for Newcastle came in the club’s Carabao Cup final defeat. The former Liverpool 'keeper has remained at the club as third choice.

Jury still out

The summer signings of Lewis Hall and Harvey Barnes are yet to make a real impact. Barnes scored and assisted on his Newcastle debut but missed a large chunk of the season through injury; while Hall has been used sparingly by Howe but is srill only 19 years old.

It would also be remiss not to mention the influx of prospects that Ashworth has helped bring to St James’ Park. Several recent signings, such as Yankuba Minteh and Harrison Ashby are spending time out on loan, while teenagers Alex Murphy and Cathal Heffernan have remained at the club.