Newcastle United will already be relieved that Dan Ashworth left to join Manchester United earlier this year.
There has been a shift in the sporting director role at St James’ Park, as Manchester United decided they wanted Dan Ashworth to lead their new project at Old Trafford. The opportunity appealed to Ashworth, prompting him to make the move.
The transition became a lengthy saga, but it is now resolved. Newcastle United agreed on compensation to allow Ashworth to join Man United earlier this summer, while Paul Mitchell arrived on Tyneside as his replacement.
Mitchell has yet to fully demonstrate his recruitment abilities at Newcastle United, but the Magpies’ first game of the season showcased why the club will be pleased to see Ashworth go.
Joelinton inspired Newcastle against Southampton
Like Man United, Newcastle United kicked off the 2024/25 Premier League season with a 1-0 home win.
It was a challenging afternoon for the Magpies, who fought with 10 men to overcome newly promoted Southampton. Fabian Schar’s soft red card could have jeopardized Newcastle, but it actually motivated Eddie Howe’s players and the fans.
Joelinton emerged as the match-winner for Newcastle, with his clever finish just before halftime securing all three points for the Magpies.
Joelinton was immense against Southampton, covering a lot of ground as Newcastle aimed to compensate for being a man down. The 28-year-old provided the physical presence Eddie Howe’s side needed, and his off-the-ball efforts were crucial in securing this vital win.
He deserved the winning goal, and it should hopefully lead to a productive season in the final third for the Brazilian international.
On Match Of The Day, Joelinton received high praise. Shearer described Joelinton as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders, demonstrating why with his performance against Southampton.
Following Newcastle’s opening day win, Shearer continued his praise for Joelinton on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast.
“Big Joelinton in midfield was a beast,” he said. “What a performance he put in! He was incredible.”
Dan Ashworth was hesitant to give Joelinton a new contract
Joelinton’s heroics follow Newcastle’s previous sporting director being hesitant to offer him a new contract.
The Telegraph reported in July that Ashworth had been delaying Joelinton’s contract extension earlier in the year, aware that the club might need to sell him due to their PSR situation.
His previous contract was set to expire in 2025, and there was talk of Newcastle cashing in on him during this summer’s transfer window.
Once Ashworth was placed on gardening leave, Newcastle accelerated their efforts to retain Joelinton. He was given a new contract, while Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson departed to ensure the club complied with PSR.
It was unfortunate to see them go, but it would have been more devastating if Joelinton had left. He is a unique player that the Magpies would have struggled to replace.
Joelinton has already demonstrated his importance to this Newcastle team. Without him, Howe’s side likely wouldn’t have won against Southampton on Saturday.
Joelinton has already proven Ashworth wrong, and everyone associated with Newcastle United is grateful that the £40 million man is still at St James’ Park.
