Newcastle United have completed the deadline day transfer of West Ham United prospect Harrison Ashby. And the right-back ‘could not be happier’ to seal a move to St James’ Park.
The Magpies have paid the Hammers up to £3m to sign Ashby to afford Eddie Howe cover in his position for Kieran Trippier, per BBC Sport. The Toon boss believes the 21-year-old is a ‘very talented young player’ despite playing just seven first-team matches with the Irons.
Ashby joined the West Ham academy set-up back in 2010 and rose through their age ranks for his senior debut in 2020. But David Moyes only afforded the full-back three matches in the EFL Cup, three in Europe and one in the Premier League for a total of just 365 minutes.
Moyes further only afforded Ashby two appearances this season for a total of 114 minutes in the Europa Conference League. He started in the first leg of the Hammers’ qualifying tie with Viborg FF on August 18. But the right-back would not feature again until November 3.
Ashby further only made Moyes’ bench for a Premier League match this season during the first three of West Ham’s games. Now, the Irons have agreed to offload the Milton Keynes-born talent to Newcastle as he was out of contract at the London Stadium in the summer.
Ashby shares a message to the West Ham staff after his transfer to Newcastle
Newcastle have signed Ashby to a long-term contract following the 21-year-old’s transfer from West Ham. He will serve as Trippier’s backup on Tyneside with Emil Krafth potentially missing for the rest of the term after rupturing his ACL at Tranmere Rovers back in August.
Howe will not afford Ashby his debut for the Toon when the Magpies host Southampton in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday. But the defender will watch the tie at St James’. Newcastle go into the encounter with a 1-0 lead through Joelinton’s effort.
Ashby is looking forward to the match and has voiced his sheer delight in sealing a transfer from West Ham to Newcastle. The full-back also shared a message of gratitude to the Irons staff who helped his career develop. But his focus is now firmly on his future under Howe.
“I could not be happier,” Ashby said, via quotes by BBC Sport. “I can’t get the smile off my face and it’s a proud day for me and my family. I’m buzzing to come to the game tonight, to meet the fans and to get a taste of the atmosphere.
“I wouldn’t be here today without West Ham. So, I thank all the coaches that I had from growing up to now. But I’m delighted to be here.”
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