Newcastle United are reportedly closing in on landing swashbuckling full-back Harrison Ashby from fellow Premier League side West Ham United.
According to a West Ham insider ExWHUemployee, as relayed by CaughtOffside, Newcastle United look almost certain to sign young defender Harrison Ashby in the upcoming transfer window, with the West Ham youngster viewed as a backup to Kieran Trippier.
The January transfer window is just weeks away, leading to a lot of speculation over who Newcastle United will sign. The Magpies’ last two transfer windows were frantic, as the new owners sought to make a significant impact. January was all about staying up, while the summer brought a couple of evolutionary signings, including a few absolute steals.
Now that January 2023 is around the corner, Newcastle are in a much stronger position. With Eddie Howe’s side sitting third in the Premier League, there is no pressing need to push the boat out or loosen the purse strings of their incredibly wealthy owners.
Overspending could leave them in a situation where there’s no powder left for the coming transfer cycles. Furthermore, too many arrivals could upset the apple cart and the special team chemistry that Eddie Howe has fostered over time.
Thus, the Magpies are looking to strengthen only a few areas of the squad. The Magpies appear to be targeting a young right back in January to provide additional cover at the position.
The Tynesiders’ first-choice right-back is England international Trippier, but behind him, Emil Krafth is out for the season following knee surgery, while Javier Manquillo has been rarely utilised under Eddie Howe.
As such, Newcastle tried to sign West Ham United right-back Harrison Ashby on loan last summer, but the move was blocked at the last minute by the Hammers.
Ashby, who joined West Ham’s academy from Chelsea in 2010, is a Scotland under-21 international and has made seven appearances for the Irons since making his debut in August last year.
The swashbuckling defender is out of contract at the end of this season and would be available on a bargain deal in January after reportedly rejecting a new deal with the Irons, with the Magpies waiting to pounce and revive their summer interest in the youngster.
While Newcastle’s new owners have facilitated their fair share of big-money acquisitions, the Toon have placed a greater emphasis on obtaining the next generation of players before their value skyrockets.
They are keen to acquire youth talents who have the potential to become first-team regulars in the future, which may save the club a fortune in transfer fees. The Australian teenage sensation Garang Kuol is a brilliant example of this, and Harrison Ashby may follow suit in the near future.
He will not only act as emergency cover but also can learn under one of the best in the position in Trippier, and can do a good job for them in the long run.
The swashbuckling defender has been tipped for a bright future by many among the Hammers fanbase. Physically and technically adept, he loves to make marauding runs as well as combine high up the pitch with fellow teammates and would suit Howe’s modern full-back philosophy.
