Aaron Ramsdale Joins Newcastle United on Loan from Southampton

Newcastle United have announced that Aaron Ramsdale has joined the club on a season-long loan from Southampton, with the option to make the move permanent next summer as confirmed in a recent report.

RAMSDALE ARRIVES AT ST JAMES’ PARK

The England goalkeeper arrives at Newcastle after the club failed to sign their top target, James Trafford, who joined Manchester City instead. Ramsdale, who was Southampton‘s first choice last season, is looking forward to linking up with manager Eddie Howe, with the pair having a strong relationship thanks to their time together at Bournemouth. Ramsdale said: “It’s great to be here. I’ve always loved coming here and I’ve seen how passionate and loud the fans can be. Coming to the stadium and seeing it empty today, it’s quite surreal to think that this is going to be home for the foreseeable future.”

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR NEWCASTLE AND RAMSDALE

Ramsdale arrives at an exciting time for Newcastle, with the club earning a place in the Champions League group stage after a fifth-place finish last term. The Magpies suffered goalkeeping injuries last season, notably to Nick Pope. With Pope still working his way back to fitness, Ramsdale provides manager Howe with another top-class English option, ready to compete for the No.1 spot which adds quality in a key position for Newcastle’s ambitions.

Ramsdale was the first-choice stopper at former club Arsenal before losing his place in the side, then moving to Southampton, where he made 36 appearances in the Premier League last season, keeping 9 clean sheets as the Saints were relegated in 18th as outlined in reports.

WHAT NEXT? RAMSDALE FACES BIG SEASON WITH NEWCASTLE

Newcastle’s first competitive game of the season is against Aston Villa in the Premier League, a huge fixture in the battle for European qualification as Villa finished just one below the Magpies last season.

Ramsdale’s arrival strengthens Newcastle’s goalkeeping options as they look to climb the table, with the 28-year-old battling with Nick Pope for a starting spot. With the World Cup next summer, both goalkeepers will be desperate to impress over the second half of the season as reported.