Done deal: 20y/o arrives for Newcastle United medical as first summer transfer agreed
Newcastle United transfers: Ewen Jaouen is set to undergo his medical today.
Newcastle United are closing in on their first signing of the summer transfer window, with goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen set to complete his move to St James’ Park.
The 20-year-old has agreed terms on a four-year contract and arrives from Stade de Reims in a deal worth around £18million.
NewcastleWorld understands Jaouen travelled to Tyneside on Monday ahead of a medical, with the remaining formalities expected to be completed on Tuesday before the transfer is officially confirmed.
Ewen Jaouen - NUFC’s first summer signing
Born in Paris, Jaouen spent much of his childhood in Brittany after relocating there with his family at the age of five. He came through the academy system at Guingamp before earning a move to Reims in 2023.
The goalkeeper gained his first senior experience during a loan spell with Rodez in Ligue 2, making his professional debut as an 18-year-old in 2024.
A season-long loan at Dunkirk followed, where he helped write one of the stories of the French domestic campaign by converting a decisive penalty in a Coupe de France shootout victory over Lille.
Last season marked a major breakthrough in his career. Jaouen established himself as Reims' first-choice goalkeeper, featuring in every league match as the club secured a sixth-place finish in Ligue 2.
Jaouen's impending arrival forms part of a wider reshaping of Newcastle's goalkeeping department.
Newcastle United goalkeeper situation
The club chose not to trigger the £20million option to sign Aaron Ramsdale permanently following his loan spell from Southampton. Meanwhile, John Ruddy and Max Thompson are both set for release.
Odysseas Vlachodimos is also expected to move on after returning from a loan spell with Sevilla, meaning further recruitment between the posts is likely.
Nick Pope's future is also uncertain. Newcastle are willing to consider offers for the 10-time England international, and The Gazette revealed last week that discussions have already taken place with Ipswich Town, with a fee of around £5million having been mentioned.