Dan Ashworth to Man United: Ex-Premier League CEO can't believe '£50m sporting director' deal

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Published on:

23 Feb 2024, 3:30 pm

Ex-Everton chief Keith Wyness has claimed the big-money Man United move for Newcastle United transfer guru Dan Ashworth will be a "one-off".

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted we are not likely to see a sporting director change clubs for a compensation fee of "£50million" in the future.

Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave at Newcastle after agreeing to join Man United and their new project under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.

Football Insider revealed on Monday (19 February) that United have baulked at Newcastle’s initial £20million compensation demands for the release of their sporting director.

However, it is believed the two clubs are likely to find a compromise with the Magpies already starting the process of looking for their next appointment.

Wyness claims Man United move for Ashworth is one of a kind

Ashworth has built his reputation during his time with England, Brighton and Newcastle.

Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “I don’t think we’ll see a £50million sporting director.

“There will be advances in the data side of things which make it much more accessible for everyone.

“I think Ashworth and his big compensation fee will be a one-off.

“It smacks of Jim Ratcliffe and Dave Brailsford deciding on him, and making it happen.

“I don’t see big-money transfers of sporting directors becoming a regular thing in years to come.

“I’ve been wrong before, but I don’t see it going that way.

“Data is becoming a very important factor, but it has to be seasoned with football experience.

“I think it has to be taken with a personal touch, and that’s where someone like Ashworth will come in.”

In other news, Paris Saint-Germain’s Marcus Rashford signing plan revealed.

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