Things are quiet at St James’ Park right now. The January transfer window hasn’t given Geordie fans much to cheer about yet. Ben Parkinson’s move to Falkirk is the only deal done so far.
Newcastle United haven’t really touched the squad, even with a growing injury list that clearly needs fixing. However, now, reports suggest two more Academy graduates will likely leave Tyneside before the deadline. Harrison Ashby and Joe White are the players involved, though they are only going out on loan.
According to The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, both players are in deep talks over a move to Bradford City. The Bantams are currently third in League One. They are pushing hard for automatic promotion to the Championship.
As a result, they might see the Newcastle duo as key signings to add depth to their squad. Graham Alexander’s side have had a great season so far, but they need a bit more quality to keep that momentum going through the tough final months.
For Harrison Ashby, this move is a chance to get his career back on track. The 24-year-old right-back joined from West Ham in 2023 but hasn’t played a senior game for the Magpies yet.
He has already had spells with Swansea City and QPR in the Championship. Now, he needs to drop down to League One to get some proper game time. Joe White is in a similar boat. The club have recently recalled the 23-year-old midfielder from a loan at Leyton Orient. He found it hard to get regular starts there while the team struggled at the bottom of the table.
A Logical Step or a Risky Gamble for Newcastle United?
The Newcastle hierarchy is making a gamble here. They are sending two talented but untested players into a high-pressure spot at Bradford City. Some fans might say the Magpies should keep them as cover for their own injuries, but getting these players regular first-team minutes is more important right now.
Ashby, especially, needs to show he can stay fit and perform every week. He has the size and speed for the Premier League, but he just hasn’t played enough football to prove it. Joining a team chasing promotion brings a unique pressure; you have to win every single week, which usually shows what a player is really made of.
Joe White needs the right setup to play his best football. He is clearly gifted on the ball, but he went missing at times during his stay at Leyton Orient. That team were often stuck defending, which didn’t help. Bradford City should be a much better fit for him.
They are one of the best teams in League One and like to keep the ball. He needs to be the one pulling the strings, and Graham Alexander will likely give him the freedom to do that.
In the end, this double deal works for everyone. Bradford get players with top-flight potential, Newcastle get their young talents some real experience, and the players get away from under-21 football. If they can help get the Bantams back into the Championship, their value at St James’ Park, or for a future sale, will rise significantly.
