By YASEEN ZAMAN
Published: | Updated:
Newcastle have officially signed goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on a season-long loan from Southampton.
The former Arsenal shot-stopper, 27, emerged as a top target after the Magpies missed out on James Trafford, who instead opted to rejoin Manchester City from Burnley.
Ramsdale started 30 Premier League games for Southampton last season, who were relegated to the Championship following a plum-last finish and a 12-point haul across the entire campaign.
The England international reunites with Eddie Howe, whom he worked with at Bournemouth between 2016 and 2020. Indeed, both player and manager expressed excitement over their reunion on Tyneside.
On joining Newcastle, 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. I’ve always loved playing here at St. James’ Park – I’ve not always had the greatest of results, but when the fans get behind you it’s some place.
‘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. I’ve got the kit on, it’s got the nice Champions League badge on the sleeve and I’m delighted to be here.
Aaron Ramsdale, 27, has joined Newcastle United on a season-long loan from Southampton
The former Arsenal goalkeeper will reunite with his old manager at Bournemouth – Eddie Howe
Ramsdale joined the Saints last summer and has since made 30 Premier League appearances
‘Working with the manager and his coaching staff again were a big draw for me. They’ve already had a great influence on my career and the gaffer turned me from a man into a professional footballer at Bournemouth.
‘He really showed me the ropes so the manager and his coaching staff were a huge selling point for me to come here.’
Meanwhile, Howe said: ‘Aaron is an exceptional goalkeeper who adds further quality and international experience to our squad.
‘Having worked with him before, I know what he can bring to us on and off the pitch, so we look forward to welcoming him into the group.’
Ramsdale began his career in League One at Sheffield United before joining Bournemouth, where he was not handed an opportunity in the top flight until his final season at the club.
After an impressive debut season in the Premier League in 2019-20, the 6ft 3in goalkeeper rejoined Sheffield.
His one full season with the then-newly promoted club was enough to impress scouts at the Emirates, as he secured a £25million move to Arsenal.
Ramsdale fell out of favour under Mikel Arteta in late 2023, having been replaced by David Raya. His search for consistent first-team football landed him at Southampton last summer.
