Exclusive: Tottenham and Newcastle massively keen on ‘very important’ Aston Villa player, he’d love Champions League football
Exclusive: Jacob Ramsey Future in Doubt as Tottenham and Newcastle Step Up Interest
TBR Football can exclusively reveal the latest developments concerning the future of Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey, who is attracting serious attention from a host of Premier League clubs, notably Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.
Both Spurs and the Magpies are looking to bolster their midfield options ahead of a demanding 2025/26 campaign. With both clubs competing domestically and in the Champions League, they are targeting players with Premier League experience, technical quality, and future potential—and Ramsey fits the bill perfectly.
Sources have confirmed to TBR Football that interest in the 24-year-old is intensifying, and a move away from Villa Park during this transfer window is increasingly likely. Although no official offers have been made yet, discussions are ongoing behind the scenes as Ramsey’s situation continues to draw attention across the league.
Having risen through the ranks at Aston Villa’s academy, Jacob Ramsey has long been regarded as one of the club’s brightest homegrown stars. His dynamism, ball-carrying ability, and attacking threat from midfield have made him a standout talent, and he has represented England at youth levels with aspirations of breaking into the senior national team setup.
Despite his reputation, Ramsey’s role at Villa has recently become less prominent. Under Unai Emery, he made 19 appearances in the Premier League last season, but notably, almost half of those came from the bench. While he remains a valued squad member, he may no longer be considered indispensable in Villa’s evolving tactical setup.
With two years remaining on his current contract, there has been little progress toward a renewal. As it stands, neither party appears close to reaching a new agreement, which only fuels speculation that a summer exit could be on the cards.
TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey reports that both Ramsey and Aston Villa are actively weighing up whether a transfer this summer would serve the best interests of all parties. The lure of regular first-team football and Champions League exposure is thought to be highly attractive to the midfielder, especially with his long-term goal of becoming a senior England international.
Nottingham Forest have also been linked with Ramsey, but despite some level of interest from the City Ground, sources suggest a move there remains unlikely at this stage. Forest, while ambitious, are unlikely to meet Ramsey’s Champions League aspirations, something Tottenham and Newcastle can currently offer.
Both clubs have been long-time admirers of Ramsey. Newcastle see him as a key piece in their project to build a younger, technically gifted squad, while Tottenham view him as someone who could thrive in a fluid midfield under Thomas Frank’s guidance.
“Jacob Ramsey is an immense talent—Aston Villa know that better than anyone,” said Graeme Bailey in an exclusive comment. “But is he absolutely central to their long-term plans? That’s debatable. Sometimes a change of scenery can benefit both the club and the player, and this may well be one of those situations.”
Ramsey’s stock has also not gone unnoticed by Chelsea and Arsenal in previous windows, both of whom have monitored his progress closely. However, Tottenham and Newcastle are currently considered the frontrunners.
Unai Emery, who has publicly praised Ramsey in the past, made it clear back in January 2024 that he was eager to retain the midfielder’s services. Speaking to The Independent, Emery said:
> “Jacob Ramsey is a very important player. He grew up in the academy and his progression is getting better. His level is increasing a lot and I want to keep him here with us… There are teams interested in signing him because he has big potential—for both Aston Villa and England. But I want to keep him here, 100 percent.”
However, the situation may have shifted in recent months. If Ramsey is not expected to play a pivotal role next season, Villa may opt to sell now while his market value remains high. Financially, a sale would represent pure profit for the club, given his academy background—a useful asset when it comes to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) compliance.
A potential deal involving Ramsey would not only give him the platform to play at a higher level but also help Villa balance their books and reinvest in other areas of the squad. As the transfer window unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Tottenham or Newcastle are prepared to make the first decisive move.