Journalist Jordan Cronin has claimed that Newcastle United are increasing their scouting network in South America thanks to Dan Ashworth’s influence.
Since Ashworth’s arrival, the Magpies have already seen a whole host of youth prospects signed by the club – something largely unheard of under Mike Ashley – showing he has the club’s immediate and long-term future firmly in his heart.
Newcastle have already brought in the likes of Garang Kuol, Alex Murphy and Jude Smith, with the former set to link up with the Magpies in January.
And Cronin has told fans to expect more names to be linked from South America, revealing on the Loaded Mag YouTube channel that Ashworth is increasing their scouting presence in the region to find the best young talents.
Responding to a question on whether Ashworth intends to bolster the youth team, he said: “He’s already doing all that already – Garang Kuol was his signing. And we’ve seen that at Brighton as well where one thing Newcastle are pushing at the minute is scouting in South America, so you’ll be seeing a lot of names from the likes of Brazil and Argentina for example as well.
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“There’s been a couple of players linked there, so the likes of Garang Kuol signing for the club is just the start, they’re establishing scouting networks abroad.”
TIF Thoughts on Ashworth’s impact at Newcastle…
It’s very clear to see the way Newcastle have already changed their approach in the transfer market at first-team level and within the youth ranks, judging by some of the signings made over the last few months that will bulk out the Under-23s.
Former Newcastle player Craig Bellamy has praised the Magpies on the Central Club podcast (via The Chronicle) after he spoke to Ashworth in pre-season when the Magpies took on Burnley, and he is now excited for what the future holds, with the sporting director holding such an important role.
Ashworth is clearly held in high regard within the footballing world given he was linked with a move to Manchester United not too long ago, so it appears that Newcastle have pulled off a major coup in landing the former Brighton & Hove Albion man to help lead their exciting project under PIF.