Former West Ham man & new signing spotted at Newcastle training ground ahead of summer move

Newcastle United have officially begun their preparations for the upcoming season, returning to pre-season training with a mix of established names and intriguing prospects.

The familiar sight of first-team regulars such as Nick Pope, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, Jacob Murphy, and Joe Willock at Darsley Park signaled a sense of continuity as the squad gradually reunites after a demanding break.

Encouragingly, injury updates also brought positive news, with both Joelinton and Lewis Miley taking part in pre-season testing after their respective recoveries, while Lewis Hall continues his rehabilitation through individual sessions as he builds fitness for the new campaign.

Several key players are expected to rejoin the group later in July, including Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn, Anthony Gordon, and Tino Livramento.

Their return will be timed with the approach of Newcastle’s first pre-season fixture, a high-profile clash against Celtic on July 19. The early stages of pre-season are always ripe with opportunity, not just for fitness but for players to stake their claim in Eddie Howe’s plans.

Among those seizing that opportunity is Harrison Ashby, a name that might have faded into the background for some fans but could now return to the fore.

Ashby, who signed from West Ham United for a reported £3 million in January 2023, has yet to make a competitive appearance for Newcastle.

The 23-year-old right-back has spent the past two seasons gaining experience on loan in the Championship, first with Swansea City and most recently with Queens Park Rangers.

While he showed flashes of promise, including scoring during a friendly match against Rangers last year, Ashby remains on the periphery of Howe’s core group.

Last season’s loan spell at QPR saw him earn 31 appearances, yet he still only has one Premier League appearance to his name, which came as a substitute for West Ham in December 2021.

Now back at Darsley Park, Ashby faces a defining period in his Newcastle career. The club is open to another loan move, though a permanent transfer is also on the table should a suitable offer materialise.

While the chances of recovering the initial transfer fee are slim, the coming weeks will give Ashby a final opportunity to make an impression during pre-season fixtures. Whether that results in a squad role or an exit, this summer marks a pivotal moment in his development.

The most eye-catching development at the training ground this week was the arrival of Anthony Elanga, following confirmation of a £55 million agreement with Nottingham Forest.

The Swedish international touched down on Tyneside Tuesday evening, greeted by eager fans and captured in a brief wave caught on video by Newcastle content creator Adam Pearson.

Elanga has reportedly agreed to a five-year deal and is expected to be unveiled officially within days, with hopes that he’ll be ready to feature in the pre-season fixture at Celtic Park.

The Elanga deal marks a significant investment and signals Newcastle’s intent as they aim to bolster their attacking threat for the new season.

His pace, dynamism, and experience in the Premier League align well with Eddie Howe’s philosophy, and his addition is expected to inject energy into the forward line, particularly on the right wing. Newcastle aren’t stopping there, however.

Talks with Burnley over goalkeeper James Trafford remain ongoing, as the club seeks to strengthen between the sticks following Nick Pope’s injury-plagued season.

The pursuit of a new centre-back remains active, with the club yet to address one of their longest-standing gaps in the squad.

Attention has also turned toward the midfield, where uncertainty looms over the future of Sean Longstaff. The midfielder, who has been part of training this week, is reportedly close to sealing a £12 million move to Leeds United, having agreed personal terms with the newly promoted side.

His potential departure adds further urgency to reinforce the central midfield options, especially considering the club’s intention to rotate more effectively across domestic and European fixtures.

Callum Wilson’s release earlier this summer has already prompted the search for another striker, with Newcastle keen to find an experienced backup for Alexander Isak.

The Magpies continue to weigh their options in the market, aiming for players who complement Howe’s tactical structure while understanding their role in the squad hierarchy.

As Newcastle build toward a season filled with promise, competition, and Champions League football, the atmosphere around Darsley Park is one of focused ambition.

With major deals already underway and more expected in the coming weeks, the club is setting the tone for a busy and decisive transfer window—one that will shape the team’s ability to compete on all fronts.