Just in: David Ornstein says Newcastle now in talks to sign ‘exceptional’ England international
Newcastle United Turn to Aaron Ramsdale After Frustrating Transfer Setbacks
Newcastle United have now shifted their focus to the goalkeeping department, with reports indicating they are targeting Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale after failing to secure a long-term priority signing between the sticks.
It’s been a challenging and, at times, disheartening summer transfer window for the Magpies. The club entered the market with high hopes of strengthening their attacking options, but things have not gone according to plan. Three of their primary targets — Joao Pedro, Bryan Mbeumo, and Hugo Ekitike — have all slipped through their fingers and opted to join Premier League rivals Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool, respectively. These setbacks have left Newcastle’s recruitment efforts in disarray, and confidence among the fanbase has started to waver.
Adding further frustration, star striker Alexander Isak has reportedly expressed his desire to leave the club, with Liverpool keen on securing his signature before the window slams shut. In what has so far been a bleak summer on Tyneside, the only noteworthy addition to Eddie Howe’s squad has been Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest — a bright talent, no doubt, but not enough to offset the overall disappointment.
In a bid to salvage their window and inject renewed optimism into the squad, Newcastle have turned their attention back to a familiar face — Aaron Ramsdale. According to a report released Monday afternoon by Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie, the Magpies are actively engaged in discussions to bring the England international to St. James’ Park.
Ramsdale, currently with Southampton, previously worked under Eddie Howe during their time together at Bournemouth. The pair departed the club in the summer of 2020 following the Cherries’ relegation to the Championship. Newcastle were linked with the goalkeeper last summer but failed to make a move. Now, with circumstances shifting, the opportunity for a reunion may be back on the table.
Originally, Newcastle had been pursuing Burnley’s James Trafford as their preferred goalkeeping option. Their interest in the England U21 shot-stopper stretched across a full year, but that pursuit now appears to be in vain, with Manchester City reportedly moving ahead in the race to secure Trafford’s signature after agreeing a transfer fee with Burnley.
As a result, the Tyneside club has pivoted towards Ramsdale, and discussions are said to be gaining momentum. According to a fresh update from The Athletic’s well-respected journalist David Ornstein, Newcastle have submitted a proposal for an initial loan deal with the intention of making the move permanent at a later stage. Southampton are believed to be open to either a straight transfer or a loan arrangement with a significant upfront fee and a compulsory purchase clause included.
Ramsdale, who only joined Southampton from Arsenal last summer in a £25 million deal, still has four years remaining on his current contract. That lengthy deal could pose a potential hurdle in negotiations, particularly when it comes to the financial terms of a possible buy clause. However, Ornstein reports that the deal is “advancing,” suggesting a growing confidence that an agreement can be reached.
If successful, the move would not only provide Newcastle with a high-quality, Premier League-proven goalkeeper but also reunite Ramsdale with a manager he knows well and trusts. As Newcastle look to turn their turbulent summer around, Ramsdale could be the first major step in re-establishing some momentum ahead of the new campaign.