£3m signing spotted back at Newcastle - but faces uncertain future heading into 2025/26

Today marked the start of Newcastle United's pre-season programme as we begin our preparations for the 2025/26 season.

Several first team regulars returned to our Benton base this morning, with Nick Pope, Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar, Emil Krafth, Sean Longstaff, Joelinton, Joe Willock, Jacob Murphy and Will Osula all back.

However, former West Ham full-back Harrison Ashby could also be seen training with the senior squad, returning from last season's loan spell at Championship side QPR.

The 23-year-old will be hoping to impress Eddie Howe over the coming weeks, both in sessions on Tyneside and in next week's training camp in Austria, if selected, but he could be facing an uncertain future.

After a mixed time at Swansea over the 2023/24 campaign and a similarly up and down stint at QPR last season, which featured long spells out of the side between January and April, Newcastle may have a decision to make soon on his future.

Will a third loan spell in the second tier be pursued, or could we see our 2023 investment move on permanently if a decent offer arrives?

Recent loan moves suggest he is not currently ready for Premier League football two and a half years on from his £3m arrival from West Ham, not to mention the fact he is 12 months older than first team star and Euro U21 winner Tino Livramento.

His contract situation is also unclear, as the club confirmed a 'long-term deal' had been signed two and a half years ago without revealing any exact details.

Ashby may be given 2025/26 as his make or break year from a Newcastle perspective, as one more loan switch may be needed, but we would not be surprised if a permanent exit is explored if the right offer arrived.