Manchester United are reportedly seeking to secure Ashworth’s arrival at Old Trafford before the first summer transfer window under the INEOS ownership. We take a look at his biggest signings so far as a sporting director.
Man United have set their sights on the sporting director of Newcastle United as their primary target as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS undertake a comprehensive restructuring of the senior management team at Old Trafford.
The 52-year-old, who had previous roles at Peterborough United, Cambridge United, and West Bromwich Albion, served as the FA’s director of elite development from 2012 to 2018 before joining Brighton.
Following a successful tenure on the south coast, during which he managed the club’s exceptional recruitment efforts, Ashworth moved to Newcastle in 2022. However, it appears that he is now on the brink of securing a lucrative move to Old Trafford.
Last month, Ashworth informed his employers of his intention to join Manchester United and was subsequently placed on gardening leave. Acquiring the Englishman from St James’ Park might now entail a fee in the region of £20 million. Yet, given his track record, he could prove to be worth every penny.
Who Are Dan Ashowrth’s Biggest Signings?
10. Romelu Lukaku – Chelsea to West Brom (loan)
Following his transfer to Chelsea the year prior, Ashworth and West Brom made a wise choice in 2012 to secure the loan signing of the young Belgian talent at the Hawthorns.
The decision proved to be a stroke of genius, as Romelu Lukaku scored 17 Premier League goals throughout the campaign, surpassing the goal tally of any Chelsea player that season.
9. Marc Cucurella – Getafe to Brighton (£15m)
Marc Cucurella was highly regarded during his time at Getafe, but his performance during his single season at the Amex Stadium surpassed expectations. Surprising many with his exceptional abilities, he won Brighton’s player of the season award for the 2021–22 campaign.
With Chelsea expressing interest, the Spaniard made the move to Stamford Bridge that summer for £55 million, marking an impressive £40 million profit on a player who has struggled to match the success he experienced during his time on the south coast with the west London club.
8. Leandro Trossard – Genk to Brighton (£13m)
One of the several players Ashworth discovered during his time at Brighton, Leandro Trossard, was signed by the club in 2019 and swiftly became a vital and consistent contributor at the Amex Stadium.
With each passing season, Trossard’s performance improved, and by the time he moved to Arsenal last January, he had already played 122 times for Brighton and scored 25 goals for the club. Since joining Arsenal, he has been equally impressive, highlighting the talent that Ashworth recognised nearly five years ago when he signed the Belgian.
7. Nick Pope – Burnley to Newcastle (£10m)
Upon joining Newcastle, Ashworth and his revamped recruitment team promptly moved to secure the signing of Burnley’s Nick Pope, capitalising on the Clarets’ relegation to the Championship.
In the season before Nick Pope’s signing, Newcastle United conceded 62 Premier League goals. However, in Pope’s debut season at the club, Newcastle kept 14 clean sheets and conceded only 33 goals, ultimately securing a top-four finish.
6. Anthony Gordon – Everton to Newcastle (£45m)
In the following January transfer window, Newcastle completed the signing of Everton youngster Anthony Gordon for a transfer fee of £45 million. While the Englishman had displayed promise at Goodison Park, the reported transfer fee raised eyebrows, particularly considering he had scored just seven Premier League goals.
However, Gordon has proven many of his sceptics wrong in his first full season at Newcastle, having already scored 10 Premier League goals. His outstanding performances have unquestionably justified Ashworth’s decision to bring in the rapid winger.
5. Karou Mitoma – Frontale to Brighton (£2.5m)
Signed during Ashworth’s tenure for a mere £2.5 million from Kawasaki Frontale, the Japanese international has emerged as one of the league’s best wingers under the guidance of Roberto De Zerbi.
While Karou Mitoma remains a Brighton player for now, his future at the club seems uncertain. The winger is reportedly valued at over £50 million, attracting interest from numerous top clubs.
4. Alexander Isak – Real Sociedad to Newcastle (£63m)
The highest transfer fee Ashworth facilitated during his tenure was the club-record £63 million paid for Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak in his first summer with Newcastle. Although injuries have occasionally plagued Isak during his Newcastle career, it’s undeniable that the striker has been exceptional when fully fit and available.
Scoring 10 goals in his debut season, Isak has already netted 16 times in his injury-affected second campaign, indicating his potential to become a cornerstone at St. James’ Park for years to come.
3. Sven Botman – Lille to Newcastle (£31m)
Arriving just a few days after Pope’s acquisition, Sven Botman made the move to Eddie Howe’s side at St James’ Park, joining from French club Lille for a fee of £35 million. Much like Pope, the Dutchman has become a vital component of Newcastle’s defensive setup during his two seasons with the club.
The signing of Sven Botman from Lille perfectly illustrates Ashworth’s negotiating prowess. Despite being presented with the opportunity to join one of Europe’s top clubs, like AC Milan, the defender made the decision to join Newcastle in 2022.
2. Alexis Mac Allister – Argentinos Juniors to Brighton (£6.9m)
After a stint back in Argentina on loan with Argentinos Juniors and Boca Juniors, Mac Allister returned to Brighton and promptly emerged as one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders. Simultaneously, he played a pivotal role in his country’s success at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Over four years at the Seagulls, Mac Allister featured in 112 matches and netted 20 goals for the club, eventually securing them a significant profit when he transferred to Anfield. Despite initially costing just £6.9 million, the Argentine was eventually sold for £35 million.
1. Moises Caicedo – Independiente del Valle to Brighton (£4m)
Snapped up for a bargain fee of £4 million from Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle, Caicedo quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders in just a few seasons.
Amidst interest from Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea, Brighton managed to secure a record British transfer fee of £115 million when the midfielder transferred to Stamford Bridge in August 2023. While Ashworth wasn’t there to see the final outcome, he played a pivotal role in bringing Caicedo to Brighton in the first instance.
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