Dan Ashworth is set to become Newcastle’s Director of Football - on a double money £2m deal.
The former FA elite development head quit Brighton on Sunday will become the Geordies’ highest paid official in history to lead the Saudi Arabia funded rebuild at St James’ Park.
Ashworth, 50, will serve a period of gardening leave before taking charge of transfer policy and football developments on Tyneside, with the owners targeting a ten-year spending spree.
His remit will be to get recruitment right and guide the Geordies to a trophy, top-six finishes and ultimately the Champions League, and earn bonuses on top of his basic salary.
Ashworth was chosen after a recruitment process led by City head-hunters Nolan Partners, who interviewed multiple candidates and chose the ex WBA and FA visionary.
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Newcastle went in hard to get Ashworth eclipsing his Brighton salary, leaving the South Coast club short on their counter offer. He sees the role as a long term challenge.
Ashworth will now be tested in a new environment of top level recruitment around Europe, but also bring expertise on Academy building so the Toon can produce their own top players.
He will become the key figure at the club, joining up transfer spend with a first team playing style, down to the Academy ranks.
He will also insist on creating a connection at all level of the club with Newcastle fans.
Ashworth was the Football Association's director of elite development for six years before joining Brighton in 2018.
Newcastle have yet to confirm the appointment but Brighton chief Paul Barber said: 'We are sorry to learn of Dan's decision.
"He's been an important part of the club's senior management team since joining us from The FA, and has made a significant contribution to our club's progress in the Premier League and Women's Super League.
'On a personal level, I will be sad to see Dan leave as we'd developed a close day to day working relationship. Dan's been an excellent colleague and has become a good friend as well. I wish Dan and his family well for the future.
'However, as is the case with all top quality people in any industry, we are always conscious of the risk of losing key staff to a rival.
“With that in mind, we always put in place contingencies and succession plans that are designed to minimise the impact on our club.'
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Albion chairman Tony Bloom said: 'We are extremely disappointed that Dan will no longer be our technical director. He leaves a significant legacy in place and for that we are greatly appreciative.
'Dan's done an outstanding job and helped build on the progress the club had already made across all of our technical areas. I wish Dan and his family well for the future.”
