Dan Ashworth has long been admired for his ability to uncover talent and craft winning teams from the shadows. Whether at Brighton, Newcastle or even during his brief stint at Manchester United, Ashworth’s knack for turning promising players into household names has been a defining feature of his career.
In this list, we celebrate 13 of his greatest signings — the ones who made a mark on the pitch, defined moments in Ashworth’s career, and left fans with unforgettable memories.
13 Best Dan Ashworth Signings of All Time Ranked
13. Joel Veltman – Brighton (£900k)
Value for money rarely gets better than Joel Veltman. Signed for a mere £900k from Ajax in 2020, he brought top-tier defensive intelligence and calmness to Brighton’s backline. Fans fondly recall how he held his own against the Premier League’s best, showing that a bargain can still make a big splash.
12. Tariq Lamptey – Brighton (£5m)
Who could forget Lamptey’s explosive arrival in the Premier League? Signed from Chelsea for just £5m in 2020, he was electric down the flank, tormenting defenders with his speed and agility. Injuries have slowed him down, but Lamptey’s incredible performances during Brighton’s rise to prominence made him unforgettable.
11. Anthony Gordon – Newcastle (£45m)
Gordon’s start at Newcastle was shaky, but once he found his rhythm, he became the heartbeat of Eddie Howe’s pressing machine. Who can forget his dazzling 2023/24 campaign? With 11 goals and 11 assists, he helped push Newcastle into the Champions League spots. For a player often doubted early on, Gordon has proven to be a standout performer.
10. Marc Cucurella – Brighton (£15m)
In one standout season at Brighton, Cucurella went from La Liga prospect to Premier League star. His tenacity and flair on the left earned him the club’s Player of the Season award in 2022 — and a £62m move to Chelsea. He may have left after a year, but his impact at Brighton is still remembered.
9. Nick Pope – Newcastle (£10m
A towering figure in goal, Pope has been a revelation for Newcastle since arriving from Burnley in 2022. Fans will never forget his Champions League-securing saves or his stunning reflex stops against Arsenal last season. For just £10m, he’s been a steal and a crucial piece in Newcastle’s defensive fortress.
8. Kaoru Mitoma – Brighton (£2.6m)
Mitoma’s journey is one for the storybooks. Signed from Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale in 2021, he stunned the Premier League with his dribbling wizardry. His viral goals — weaving past defenders like cones — were pure magic, especially under Roberto De Zerbi's reign. Whether on YouTube or in the stands, Mitoma’s brilliance made him an Ashworth gem.
7. Alexis Mac Allister – Brighton (£6.9m)
Signed in 2019 as an unproven Argentine, Alexis Mac Allister blossomed into a World Cup winner and Brighton linchpin. His technical class and composure in midfield drove Brighton’s incredible 2022/23 campaign, and his £35m move to Liverpool was the ultimate testament to Ashworth’s talent-spotting genius.
6. Leandro Trossard – Brighton (£15m)
Leandro Trossard was Brighton’s Swiss Army knife: versatile, dynamic, and always delivering in the clutch. Signed in 2019 from Genk, he spent three and a half years dazzling the Amex faithful with stunning goals and assists. His move to Arsenal hasn’t dimmed his legacy at Brighton, where some fans still chant his name.
5. Sven Botman – Newcastle (£31.8m)
When Botman arrived in 2022, Newcastle United’s defence improved drastically. Calm under pressure and commanding in the air, Botman was central to the Magpies’ return to Europe under Eddie Howe. His absence through injury last season showed just how integral he has become to their ambitions.
4. Evan Ferguson – Brighton (Nominal Fee)
Ferguson’s rise is a tale of promise and potential. Signed for peanuts from Bohemians, the 19-year-old striker has lit up the Premier League with goals beyond his years. Many believe he’s a future world-class forward. The fact his talent was spotted before many top clubs could get a glimpse of it speaks volumes about having a solid recruitment strategy in today's football.
3. Alexander Isak – Newcastle (£63m)
Ashworth broke the bank for Isak in 2022, and the Swedish striker has repaid that faith in goals and flair. From his debut stunner against Liverpool to his brace in the Champions League, Isak has delivered on the big stage. Already a fan favourite, his future at Newcastle looks bright; however, the likes of Arsenal are reportedly monitoring the Swede, potentially making a move if the opportunity arises.
2. Moises Caicedo – Brighton (£4m)
From a little-known Ecuadorian prospect to the most expensive British transfer of all time, Caicedo’s journey is the crown jewel of Ashworth’s Brighton era. Signed for just £4m in 2021, his dominance in midfield — combined with a staggering £115m sale to Chelsea — cemented him as Ashworth’s most profitable coup.
1. Bruno Guimarães – Newcastle (£40m)
While Caicedo was Ashworth’s financial triumph, Bruno has been his footballing masterpiece. Signed in January 2022, Bruno helped transform Newcastle overnight, bringing flair, steel, and leadership to their midfield.
His iconic celebration after scoring against Southampton — pointing to the St. James’ Park crowd — remains a fan-favourite moment. More than just a signing, Bruno is the heart of Newcastle’s resurgence. Bruno Guimarães facts from Childhood provide more info about the midfield ace.
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