Newcastle United have struck a deal with Southampton to bring in England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on loan — with a big fee and an option to buy.

Ramsdale is now en route for his medical, with the final paperwork expected to be wrapped up soon. The 26-year-old shot-stopper could be wearing black and white sooner than you can say “Howay the Lads!”

The move comes hot on the heels of The Athletic’s July 28 report that the Magpies were chasing Ramsdale’s signature. With their long-time target James Trafford heading back to Manchester City from Burnley in a £27 million U-turn, Newcastle pivoted swiftly — and smartly.

Ramsdale’s recent journey has been quite the carousel:

Joined Southampton from Arsenal last summer for £25m

Featured 32 times in the Premier League for Saints, who were relegated again in 2023-24

Originally signed with Arsenal in 2021, racking up 32 clean sheets in 89 games

Lost the No. 1 shirt to David Raya but remained a steady presence

Has five England caps and tournament experience from Euro 2020, World Cup 2022, and Euro 2024


This move reunites Ramsdale with Eddie Howe, who coached him at Bournemouth during his early Premier League years. While Ramsdale spent part of that stint out on loan, he became the Cherries’ No. 1 in 2019-20 before heading to Sheffield United and eventually Arsenal.

With Nick Pope still recovering and the Toon goalkeeping group looking crowded (Martin Dubravka, Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy, Mark Gillespie — and now Ramsdale), things are getting spicy between the sticks at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle’s goalkeeper roulette just got a major shake-up — and Ramsdale might be ready to deal the winning hand.