Explained: Will Aaron Ramsdale link up with Newcastle United in South Korea?

Aaron Ramsdale is unlikely to link up with Newcastle United’s squad in South Korea.

Ramsdale is set to join Newcastle on a season-long loan deal from Southampton after arriving on Tyneside on Wednesday to undergo his medical. The Magpies have agreed to pay a £4million loan fee and have the option of making the transfer permanent next summer.

As captured by NewcastleWorld, Ramsdale visited the club’s Benton training ground immediately after landing from the South Coast and was greeted by few staff due to the majority being in Seoul.

Will Aaron Ramsdale link up with Newcastle United in South Korea?

The Magpies jetted off on their Asia tour last Thursday, first visiting Singapore, where they lost 3-2 to Arsenal on Sunday. They then flew to the South Korean capital of Seoul, losing 1-0 to Team K-League yesterday afternoon.

Newcastle face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday in their final game but NewcastleWorld has been told that Ramsdale is unlikely to travel for the game due to a number of factors.

Not only would Ramsdale have to travel around 14 hours to South Korea and deal with the eight-hour time difference - something Howe’s squad have struggled with - he would also have to obtain a visa, which may be difficult to obtain at short notice. Newcastle also fly back to England immediately after the Spurs match.

With all those factors in mind, there is a feeling that sending Ramsdale on the long-haul trip isn’t worthwhile.

Instead, the 25-year-old is set to remain on Tyneside and catch up with his new teammates next week with a view to making his debut in either of the St James’ Park matches against Espanyol or Atletico Madrid, which take place on back-to-back days.

Nick Pope expected to start the campaign as Newcastle United number one

Nick Pope is expected to start the campaign, which begins away to Aston Villa on Saturday, August 16, as the club’s number one, though Ramsdale will undoubtedly push hard to displace him.

Pope’s shot-stopping has made him a transformative signing after joining in 2022, which has often made up for his struggles when trying to play out from the back. Ramsdale is viewed as someone who is much more comfortable with the ball at his feet.

Having Pope and Ramsdale provides Howe with a good blend in what will be a challenging campaign with both domestic and European football to contend with.

Martin Dubravka and Odysseas Vlachodimos free to leave Newcastle United

Ramsdale’s arrival will bring the number of senior goalkeepers at Newcastle up to six, but that is expected to be trimmed with the departures of Martin Dubravka and Odysseas Vlachodimos.

Dubravka almost joined Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab in January before being rewarded with a new contract after impressing during Pope’s absence. At 36, the Slovakian still holds ambitions of playing regularly.

Meanwhile, as reported by NewcastleWorld, Newcastle are actively pursuing a loan exit for Vlachodimos, having put feelers out to intermediaries in an attempt to sort a move.

YOUR NEXT READ: Newcastle United issue official Joe Willock update as midfielder stretchered off in South Korea.

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