The 20-year-old midfielder first joined Chelsea at the age of seven. During that time, she won the FA Youth Cup in 2021/22 and the FA WSL Academy Cup in 2022/23.

In March 2023, an 18-year-old Akpan made her senior debut for Chelsea, coming off the bench as a second-half substitute in a 3-1 Women's FA Cup quarter-final victory over Reading.

Akpan spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Birmingham City, where she played 15 games before moving on loan to Southampton in summer 2025, making 13 appearances with the Saints in WSL 2 during the first half of the campaign.

On the international stage, Akpan has represented England at all youth levels, while also captaining the Under-19 squad during her early career with the young Lionesses. In April 2025, she made her debut for the Under-23s when coming on as a substitute against Spain.

The midfielder now makes the move north to Newcastle United, joining the WSL 2 side on a permanent basis.

Everyone at Chelsea would like to wish Ashanti the very best for the future as she begins a new chapter in her career.