Jacob Ramsey Signs for Newcastle United in Big-Money Move

Jacob Ramsey has joined Newcastle United from Aston Villa in a deal worth over £40 million. The midfielder expressed his delight saying: “I’m happy and proud to join this club,” referencing Newcastle’s world-famous fans and admitting the move was “a no-brainer” after holding talks with Eddie Howe.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Ramsey, 24, has made the switch to St James’ Park after the Magpies agreed to pay an initial £39m for the midfielder, plus an additional £4m in potential add-ons, taking the deal up to £43m. The England international has signed a five-year contract and will retain his No. 41 shirt in the North East, just as he did at Villa Park.

After 17 goals in 167 games for his boyhood club, Ramsey moves north as he embarks on the next stage of his career. The deal is a significant one for the Villans too, who have been under pressure to sell players amid Financial Fair Play concerns. Aston Villa has been fined €11 million by UEFA for FFP violations, making it necessary for them to reinvest in their squad before the end of the window as per recent reports.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle are aiming to improve on last season’s fifth-placed finish in the Premier League to challenge for European places once again. They struggled with injuries in midfield last term and lacked depth in creative and attacking roles. Ramsey’s arrival gives Howe a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder with existing top-flight experience as the club aims to strengthen its depth.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, finished sixth last season to qualify for the UEFA Europa League but now have a gap to fill in their squad. Ramsey’s departure, however, allows them to address Financial Fair Play issues as they place it as a necessary step amid another demanding campaign according to UEFA.

WHAT NEXT FOR NEWCASTLE UNITED

Newcastle return to action against champions Liverpool, as their start striker Isak pushes a move to their opponents next weekend. Villa, on the other side, will be visiting Brentford, who finished last season in 13th, and will be looking at turning their start around after losing their opening match 3-1 to Nottingham Forest.