In a recent piece for The Athletic, Brighton correspondent Andy Naylor reveals how Dan Ashworth built an impressive scouting network – with a big focus on South America – during his time on the south coast.
This week, a host of scouting jobs have now become available at Newcastle United, who are advertising for the following eight roles:
- First Team and Emerging Talent Scout (Argentina and Uruguay)
- First Team and Emerging Talent Scout (Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador)
- First Team and Emerging Talent Scout (Italy, Switzerland and Croatia)
- First Team and Emerging Talent Scout (Spain and Portugal)
- First Team and Emerging Talent Scout (Germany, Holland and Belgium)
- First Team and Emerging Talent Scout (Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Denmark, Serbia)
- First Team and Emerging Talent Scout (France)
- Head of Data and Insight
The final position – Head of Data and Insight – explains the chosen candidate will ‘be committed to build a world-leading data and insight department, made up of Data Scientists, Data Analysts and Data Engineers.’ However, the scouting roles feel like a Dan Ashworth move that promises to transform our ability to bring exciting talents to Tyneside, covering 19 different countries.
The strong focus on South America is also an Ashworth blueprint, as he helped facilitate some bargain deals for Brighton from that part of the world. Argentinian star Alexis Mac Allister cost just £7m – he’s now worth eight or nine times that fee – while teenage compatriot Facundo Buonanotte is tipped to be their latest gem.
Moises Caicedo is a perfect example, too. The midfielder was plucked out of Ecuador for £4.5m in 2020, yet was the subject of £70m bids from Chelsea and Arsenal in January after becoming one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League.
To grow the club sustainably and work within FFP restrictions, Ashworth has talked up the need to sign hidden gems, not splash big money on proven stars. This latest move will only help us do that, proving we’re finally operating like a highly competent football club following the arrival of ambitious new owners and world-class sporting director.
