Newcastle United have confirmed a double January transfer development involving two of their young players, with League One promotion contenders Bradford City completing loan deals for midfielder Joe White and defender Harrison Ashby.
The EFL club announced both signings in an official statement, confirming that the Newcastle United duo will remain at Valley Parade until the end of the 2024/25 season.
The moves are seen as part of Newcastle’s wider strategy to give emerging players regular senior football while keeping them under long-term club control.
What has Newcastle United confirmed this January?
Newcastle United have sanctioned two separate loan deals, allowing Joe White and Harrison Ashby to join Bradford City for the remainder of the campaign.
Neither agreement includes an option to buy, meaning both players will return to Tyneside once the season concludes.
The confirmation follows Bradford’s own announcement, making it clear that both clubs worked closely to finalise the double move early in the window.
Why has Joe White left Newcastle United again?
Joe White’s move comes after a frustrating first half of the season on loan at Leyton Orient. The 23-year-old midfielder initially featured in Richie Wellens’ plans but suffered an injury towards the end of August, which stalled his progress.
White went on to make just six appearances in all competitions, with his only involvement from September onwards coming as an unused substitute in a defeat to Luton Town in late December.
Joe White and Harrison Ashby have joined League One side Bradford City on loan until the end of the season.
Best of luck, lads! 💪 pic.twitter.com/j4rFXAH4hF
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 13, 2026
Newcastle United recalled him earlier this month before deciding another League One loan would offer a better chance of consistent minutes.
Bradford City, currently third in the League One table, presented that opportunity.
What did Joe White say about joining Bradford City?
White spoke positively about the move, highlighting both the size of the club and his belief that the team suits his style of play.
Joe White said, “It is a great feeling, I am so happy to be here. It is such an amazing and massive club. Hopefully, I can bring my game to this team, which is doing very well at the moment.
I spoke to Graham Alexander in the summer, and since then, I have watched some of the games whilst I have been on loan in the first part of the season. I feel like I can really excel.”
Bradford City have confirmed that White will wear the number 30 shirt and could make his debut this weekend against Cardiff City.
Why were Bradford City keen on Joe White?
Bradford manager Graham Alexander has long admired the Newcastle United midfielder and believes his technical ability can add something different to the squad during the promotion run-in.
Graham Alexander said, “Joe is a player we have admired for a while. His creativity will bring an added dimension to our team. His ability on the ball is excellent, and his work rate off the ball suits how we want to play.”
Alexander’s side has been one of League One’s most consistent teams this season, and White is expected to compete immediately for a starting role.
Who is the second Newcastle United player joining Bradford City?
Alongside White, Newcastle United have also confirmed that defender Harrison Ashby has joined Bradford City on loan until the end of the season.
Ashby joined Newcastle from West Ham United in 2023 but has yet to make a senior competitive appearance for the Magpies.
With Eddie Howe leaving him out of the club’s 25-man Premier League squad, a January exit was always likely.
What experience does Harrison Ashby bring?
Despite limited opportunities at Newcastle United, Ashby arrives with valuable Championship experience.
He spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Swansea City, where he made 16 appearances, before enjoying a more extended spell at QPR last season, playing 31 times in all competitions.
That level of experience at a higher tier could prove crucial for Bradford City as they push for promotion in the second half of the campaign.
How does this move benefit Newcastle United?
From Newcastle United’s point of view, the double loan move allows both players to gain regular first-team football without being sold.
It also helps manage squad size under Premier League registration rules while ensuring that White and Ashby are tested in a competitive, high-pressure environment.
For Bradford City, the signings underline serious promotion ambition and add depth in key areas at a crucial stage of the season.
