Newcastle United defender Harrison Ashby is an 'exciting' signing that could go on to have a big impact at St James' Park in the future, journalist Pete O'Rourke has informed GIVEMESPORT.
Anthony Gordon and Garang Kuol joined the Scotland Under-21 international in completing transfers to the North East, with Eddie Howe increasing the depth in his squad to try and secure a top-four finish.
GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict
Newcastle transfer news - Harrison Ashby
On deadline day, BBC Sport confirmed that Newcastle had completed a deal to sign Ashby from West Ham United in a deal reported to be worth around £3 million.
The youngster was due to be out of contract at the London Stadium this summer and had declined the notion of extending his time at the Hammers beyond 2022/23.
Eddie Howe heaped praised on Ashby in his latest press conference, stating, "he [Ashby] has very good attributes, so we are looking forward to working with him in this exciting new chapter of his career."
NewcastleWorld detail that the 21-year-old could go straight into the Magpies' squad for their match against West Ham as Javier Manquillo has picked up an injury and is set for a spell on the sidelines.
What has Pete O'Rourke said about Ashby?
Journalist O'Rourke believes that bringing in Ashby represents a 'great deal' for Newcastle while also stating that the Scot will add some 'competition' for first-choice right-back Kieran Trippier.
O'Rourke told GMS: "I think it's an area of the team that Eddie Howe has been looking to strengthen. He's been looking to bring in a right-back to provide cover and competition for Kieran Trippier.
"It'll be a great experience, I think, for Ashby as well, to work under and learn under Kieran Trippier in that right-back role, so it's a great deal for Newcastle and an exciting player they've hopefully got on their hands for the future."
Will Ashby be a good signing for Newcastle?
Given his age and room to develop, Ashby looks to be an exciting addition for Newcastle that could blossom into a first-team regular in the coming years.
The 21-year-old made seven senior appearances for West Ham before his deadline day departure, with two of these outings occurring this season in the Europa Conference League, as per Transfermarkt.
Former West Ham Under-21 manager Dmitri Halajko was full of praise for the youngster in 2021/22 following a 2-0 victory for the young Hammers against Gillingham in the EFL Trophy, stating: “Harrison got a goal and an assist – real quality moments, both of them."
Moving forward, the St James' Park faithful will hope they can see plenty of game-time for Ashby in the coming years at the club.