Newcastle United set to send defender Harrison Ashby on loan
By Cade Cracas
Newcastle United has moved on from a handful of rotational pieces throughout the 2023 summer transfer window, and it does not look like the club has any plans on stopping soon.
It was reported on Tuesday, August 1, that the Magpies were in talks with Swansea City on a potential loan for young defender Harrison Ashby. The reality of the situation emerged when it became apparent that Manager Eddie Howe had little room for the youngster in his rotation for the coming season.
Throughout the entirety of the preseason and United States tour, Newcastle United has given immense time and consideration to some of their younger pieces, one of which being Ashby. During his time overseas he has performed well but has not emerged into a realistic starting or rotational piece with the team.
Ashby only joined the Magpies just a few months ago during the January transfer window but struggled when given the opportunity to do much.
Since leaving West Ham United, the hope was that he could find a slight uptick in his career production with a new club, but due to the team’s success last season, that production will have to go elsewhere.
The plan going forward for him to get first-team minutes resides with other clubs, instead of playing as a backup or deep reserve.
Primarily playing as a right-back, Ashby is currently stuck behind the captain of the team, Kieran Trippier. If he were to transition to the left, he would still be behind Dan Burn, Paul Dummett and Matt Targett for any legitimate reps on the pitch.
So, a move to Swansea City on loan makes sense for the 21-year-old.
This gives the Magpies the opportunity to flourish his career and perfect his raw talent, while Swansea City gets a solid back that can help them try to work their way through the trials and tribulations of the EFL Championship.
While there has been no official deal signed, the two sides are nearing one quickly as Swansea City hopes they can get one finished before the first game of the season against Birmingham which comes this weekend.
Ashby’s medical is set to occur at the start of this week, and if that goes well, the loan should be completed and put through.
The only thing now is for Howe to find the next backup for Trippier, whether it comes within his current squad or not.
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