Newcastle have opened discussions with Southampton over a potential move for England international goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Talks are said to be at an early stage, but Southampton are believed to prefer a permanent deal on substantial terms. Ramsdale only joined the south coast club from Arsenal in August 2024 for an initial fee of 18 million pounds, and the Championship side are keen to recoup that investment.
The move comes just days after Newcastle agreed a 27 million pound deal with Burnley for England U21 goalkeeper James Trafford, only for Manchester City to activate a matching rights clause, allowing them to bring their former academy player back to the Etihad.
With competition required for current number one Nick Pope, Newcastle remain determined to strengthen their goalkeeping department ahead of the new season. A deal for Ramsdale would reunite him with manager Eddie Howe, who coached the 27-year-old during their time together at Bournemouth.
Despite Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League last season – finishing bottom with just 12 points – Ramsdale made 30 league appearances and remains in Gareth Southgate’s wider England plans, having last been called up in March.
For Newcastle, who are preparing for a return to Champions League football, the interest in Ramsdale is part of a broader squad reshuffle. Striker Alexander Isak is attracting interest from Liverpool, and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko has been identified as a possible replacement.
If signed, Ramsdale would become the second Newcastle goalkeeper to wear the England shirt in the modern era. Nick Pope’s cap against Italy in September 2022 made him the first Magpies stopper to represent the national team in over a century. Ramsdale, who has 183 Premier League appearances under his belt, could now follow suit.
However, Ramsdale’s record in top-flight survival battles may give some Newcastle fans pause. The 27-year-old has suffered relegation from the Premier League with three different clubs: Bournemouth (2019–20), Sheffield United (2020–21), and most recently with Southampton. He also experienced a League Two relegation during a loan spell at Chesterfield in 2017.
Statistically, Ramsdale endured a difficult campaign in 2024–25, conceding 66 goals and keeping just three clean sheets. However, his numbers were heavily impacted by a leaky Southampton defence, and his experience in high-pressure environments remains a key asset.
Comparisons have been made between Ramsdale and current Newcastle backup Martin Dubravka. While both are less dominant shot stoppers than Pope, they offer greater distribution accuracy – an attribute valued in Howe’s possession-based system.
Dubravka performed admirably when called upon last season, but with the Slovakian set to turn 37 in January, the opportunity to bring in a long-term successor nearly a decade younger could prove a smart long-term investment for the Magpies.
