What former Chelsea star will add to Newcastle United squad, according to Tanya Oxtoby | OneFootball

Barclays Womens Championship – Blackburn Rovers v Birmingham City – Ewood Park

Ewood Park, Blackburn, England, March 2th 2025: Ashanti Akpan (21 Birmingham City) controls the ball during the Barclays Womens Championship match between Blackburn Rovers v Birmingham City at Ewood Park in Blackburn, England on on March 2nd 2025. (Sean Chandler / SPP)

Newcastle United have signed midfielder Ashanti Akpan from Chelsea for an undisclosed fee.

And in quotes circulated to the media, Magpies manager Tanya Oxtoby said: “Ashanti is a high-potential player who has gained good experience at this level in the last couple of seasons, and has international experience under her belt.

“She breaks up play well in the midfield, while also helping the team build the game through the thirds. Ashanti is a great character and will add to our culture, so we are really pleased to add her to our squad.”

For her part, 20-year-old Akpan said: “I’m happy to be joining and I can’t wait to get started. I want to help this team to get promoted into the WSL.

“I’ve gained experience in this league, and I am excited to bring everything I’ve learnt into Newcastle now.”

Ashanti Akpan: her football career so far

Akpan has been with Chelsea for 12 years, since the age of seven, making her first-team debut at the age of 17 as a substitute in the Women’s FA Cup against Reading in 2023.

She signed her first professional contract later that year. Since then she has spent time on loan in the second tier, first with Birmingham City last season, and with Southampton in the first half of this season.

At international level, she has represented England through the youth age groups up to Under-23s.

Newcastle United: their season thus far

Newcastle United face WSL2 leaders Charlton Athletic this weekend.

The Magpies are currently fourth in the table, and have been very active in this transfer window, most recently signing Sweden’s Emilia Larsson and Australia’s Kaitlyn Torpey.

They were knocked out of the Women’s FA Cup last weekend by West Ham United, who are second from bottom of the WSL.