Former Newcastle United chief Dan Ashworth shortlisted for major new Premier League role

2024 was a very interesting year for former Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth.

The 53-year-old decided to pursue a move away from Tyneside in February 2024 in favour of a move to Manchester United. Newcastle United placed him on gardening leave and refused to be bullied into releasing him for a small fee.

In the end, Man United paid Newcastle £4.1m for Dan Ashworth who officially joined the Red Devils in July. Things were disastrous at his new club, and Ashworth was sacked in December, just five months into his new role.

This season is already a write-off for Man United, who are currently sat 14th in the Premier League table. Summer signings have failed to impress, and a managerial change has not helped their cause.

For Newcastle, things are looking much brighter. Paul Mitchell replaced Ashworth in July and has implemented a new strategy at the club, effectively reverting everything for the former sporting director had put in place.

Now, a new report has claimed that Ashworth has been included on a list of candidates for a new role in the Premier League.

Dan Ashworth shortlisted for Arsenal sporting director position

Like Man United, Arsenal have struggled to stamp their authority in recent transfer windows. The Gunners are second in the Premier League but could soon lost that position to one of Manchester City or Nottingham Forest.

Arsenal wanted to sign Alexander Isak in the January transfer window but Newcastle had absolutely no intention of letting him leave for anything less than £100m. Reports suggest that Isak could cost over £120m in the summer thanks to his tremendous form this season.

Ashworth is now looking for his next role in football and could soon land it after David Ornstein of the Athletic reported that Arsenal have compiled a list of targets.