Newcastle United are advancing in their search for a new goalkeeper, and they might have already completed a deal for their new long-term netminder.
According to football insider Sacha Tavolieri, Reims goalie Ewen Jaouen has emerged as a top target for the Magpies, and the player has already taken a significant step toward a move, agreeing to terms with NUFC.
“Two weeks ago, Ewen Jaouen visited Newcastle United’s facilities,” Tavolieri reported. “The French goalkeeper has given his agreement in principle
to join the Magpies.”
Tavolieri’s report indicates that Jaouen is prepared to compete for a starting role from the get-go, thus removing Nick Pope from the XI outright.
“(Jaouen) would compete with the club’s number one goalkeeper,” Tavolieri said. “Newcastle are in talks with Reims over a deal worth €20M fixed plus bonuses.”
The move comes as Newcastle reassess their goalkeeping options after an inconsistent season from their current choices, with Pope aging a bit disgracefully and Aaron Ramsdale set to leave Tyneside when his loan deal ends at the end of the season.
Jaouen’s potential arrival would represent a long-term investment, with the 20-year-old viewed as a developing option capable of challenging for the No.1 spot sooner than later.
The Reims goalie has appeared in 54 games through the last three seasons, including this one, all of them in France’s Ligue 1. He has allowed 56 goals and 1.04 per 90 minutes, saving 69.6% of the shots he’s faced and putting up a 25-17-12 record in the games he’s started.
This season alone, Jaouen has appeared in 34 games while allowing 35 goals and saving 68.6% of all shots he faced, including saving one penalty kick for Reims.
