Newcastle United ‘close in’ on Jacob Ramsey and two more transfers planned
Newcastle United Seal £35m Deal for Malick Thiaw as Transfer Business Intensifies
Newcastle United have bolstered their defensive ranks with the signing of German centre-back Malick Thiaw from Serie A giants AC Milan. The highly rated 23-year-old becomes the Magpies’ third acquisition of the summer transfer window, arriving in a deal worth close to £35 million.
Thiaw’s arrival comes after a persistent need to reinforce Eddie Howe’s defensive options, particularly in situations where key right-footed defender Fabian Schär has been sidelined through injury. For much of last season, the Magpies were forced to shuffle their back line whenever Schär was unavailable, highlighting the lack of depth in the position.
Newcastle had attempted to resolve the issue in the past, most notably last summer when a move for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi failed to materialise. However, after months of scouting and negotiations, the club has finally secured their man from Milan, where Thiaw had established himself as one of Serie A’s most promising defenders.
The Germany international follows goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and winger Anthony Elanga as the club’s latest summer arrivals. Ramsdale, brought in from Arsenal, is expected to challenge for the number one shirt, while Elanga adds pace and creativity to the flanks. So far, Newcastle have confirmed ten player departures in the off-season, and according to reports, their recruitment drive is far from over.
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Ramsey Negotiations Heating Up
Attention now appears to be shifting towards the midfield, with Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey emerging as the club’s next major target. The Daily Mail reports that Newcastle are pushing to finalise a deal for the 24-year-old attacking midfielder before the weekend — a timeline that would add an intriguing twist to Saturday’s Premier League opener between Newcastle and Villa at Villa Park.
Talks between the two clubs reportedly centred around a £40 million fee as of Tuesday night, with further negotiations scheduled for Wednesday. A formal offer from Newcastle is expected imminently.
Ramsey, a former England Under-21 international, is understood to be open to the move. Eddie Howe has admired the player for some time, recognising his energy, versatility, and ability to break forward from midfield. The Newcastle boss has a reputation for maximising the potential of midfielders, a factor that could be central to Ramsey’s decision.
While West Ham United are also thought to hold an interest, sources close to St. James’ Park believe they are not currently a significant threat in the race for his signature.
Ramsey’s numbers are impressive given his age — 167 senior appearances for Aston Villa, with 17 goals and 19 assists — particularly considering that many of those came from the bench. His adaptability is another major asset, as he can operate both centrally and on the wings, providing Howe with valuable tactical flexibility.
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Two More Signings Targeted Before Deadline
According to The Athletic, Newcastle’s transfer plans will not stop with Thiaw and potentially Ramsey. The club is aiming to bring in two strikers before the window closes.
One of those is believed to be Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, a player Newcastle have been monitoring closely throughout the summer. Wissa’s dynamic playing style and proven Premier League experience make him a strong candidate to replace Callum Wilson, who departed on a free transfer earlier in the window.
The identity of the second forward remains under wraps, but sources suggest that move will only be pursued if star striker Alexander Isak leaves the club. Isak’s future has been the subject of intense speculation after Liverpool tabled a £110 million bid — which Newcastle swiftly rejected. At present, the Merseyside club is not expected to return with an improved offer.
If everything falls into place, Newcastle’s window could finish on a high. Ramsey would fill the midfield void left by recent departures, Wissa could take over Wilson’s role, and, should Isak depart, Howe would have the funds and space to recruit a forward committed to the club’s ambitions.
With the new season kicking off in just days, Newcastle appear determined to enter the campaign with a stronger, deeper, and more balanced squad than ever before.