Newcastle United are expected to enter the summer transfer window in search of a new first-choice goalkeeper no matter what happens to Nick Pope or loaned-in Aaron Ramsdale.
That search for a new No. 1 will only intensify as we get closer to July, however, as it’s been reported that Newcastle have decided against retaining Aaron Ramsdale beyond his loan spell.
Ramsdale joined from Southampton on a season-long deal, with Newcastle reportedly holding an option to buy for around £20 million. The 27-year-old
has featured more regularly in recent weeks following errors from Nick Pope, including a costly mistake against Everton, but that doesn’t seem to mean much in the larger picture.
According to The Athletic, reporting before the FA Cup loss to Manchester City, Ramsdale’s recent performances have not changed the club’s long-term thinking and he will leave Tyneside come summertime.
“For as much as Ramsdale justified the call by playing so well in midweek — the three excellent saves he made were crucial to Newcastle’s much-needed 2-1 victory — he was not elevated because Howe believes he is the long-term answer,” The Athletic wrote. “As things stand, the likelihood is that Newcastle will not take up the option to sign Ramsdale permanently and that he will return to Southampton once his loan expires.”
Newcastle’s scouts are already surveying alternatives, from well-known to new and far-fetched ones: Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen has emerged as a serious option of late, Manchester City’s James Trafford has been linked to a Newcastle move forever, and Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel seems to be an interesting-yet-hard-to-pull-off transfer as of now.
Nick Pope, meanwhile, remains under contract, but concerns over his feet game and lack of ball-playing skills, paired with a recent dip in form, have only intensified the need for competition or an outright replacement in net.
Pope will turn 34 before the start of next season, and while most goalies age gracefully, it might be time for the Magpies to bring in a fresh face.
