Newcastle United transfer breakthrough - medical taking place today

Newcastle United have agreed a deal to sign Aaron Ramsdale on a season-long loan from Southampton.

The Magpies have turned to the former Arsenal goalkeeper after missing out James Trafford to Manchester City. At one stage, a fee was close to being agreed with Burnley for Trafford but United were ultimately powerless in stopping City.

Newcastle had a free run at Trafford before the Club World Cup but once Man City came to the table, it was much pretty game over.

The Citizens included a number of clauses when they sold Trafford to Burnley in 2023, and it was their matching rights that gazumped Newcastle.

Eddie Howe’s side had a £27million bid accepted by the Clarets last week but City were able to match that offer. The 22-year-old proceeded to agree personal terms with Pep Guardiola’s side and on Tuesday officially completed his move, signing a five year contract which includes an option of a sixth year.

Newcastle United agree Aaron Ramsdale loan deal

Newcastle have swiftly moved on from the disappointment of missing out on Trafford by reaching an agreement with Southampton for Ramsdale.

United will pay a reported £4m to loan Ramsdale for the 2025-26 season with an option - not an obligation - to make the move permanent next summer. The 27-year-old is due on Tyneside today to undergo a medical.

Ramsdale is familiar to Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and his coaching staff after working together at AFC Bournemouth. Having turned out for the Cherries, Sheffield United Arsenal and the Saints, Ramsdale has plenty of top-flight experience. He has also represented England five times.

Aaron Ramsdale to rival Nick Pope for No.1 jersey at Newcastle United

Nick Pope is still expected to start the new campaign, which begins away to Aston Villa on Saturday, August 16, as number one but Ramsdale will be ready to challenge his fellow countryman for the number one jersey.

Ramsdale is different to Pope in the sense that he is more comfortable with the ball at his feet, something Pope doesn’t always deal well with, as highlighted by the Magpies’ last two friendlies against Celtic and Arsenal.

Signing Ramsdale is a fairly low-risk deal for Newcastle to strike. With it only being a straight loan, it allows them to dedicate their remaining transfer funds to other areas of the squad, where a striker, central midfielder and centre-back are being targeted.

Martin Dubravka future in doubt

Ramsdale’s arrival could spell the end of Martin Dubravka’s time on Tyneside, while United are also looking to sort a loan move for Odysseas Vlachodimos.

Dubravka almost joined Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab in January but was instead rewarded with a new contract after impressing during Pope’s absence.

At 36, the Slovakian still holds ambitions of playing regularly while there is acceptance that United need to cut their goalkeeper numbers with currently six on the books, if you include Ramsdale.

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