Aaron Ramsdale: Newcastle transfer ‘surreal’, goalkeeper says after loan switch from Southampton

Aaron Ramsdale has said working with Eddie Howe was a “big draw” and credited the Newcastle manager with “turning me from a man into a professional footballer” after joining the Magpies on a season-long from Southampton.

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Ramsdale, who worked with Howe at Bournemouth between 2017 and 2020, has signed for a “sizeable” loan fee with an option to buy, according to The Athletic.

“Coming to the stadium and seeing it empty, it’s quite surreal to think that this is going to be home for the foreseeable future,” said the 27-year-old, calling the competition badge denoting Newcastle’s qualification for the Champions League “nice”.

Welcome to Newcastle United, Aaron Ramsdale! 🧤

Aaron joins us from Southampton on a season-long loan deal 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/xIMb0uuSwC— Newcastle United (@NUFC) August 2, 2025

Ramsdale: Howe ‘selling point’ for Newcastle

“I’ve always loved playing here at St James’ Park,” Ramsdale told Newcastle’s website. “I’ve not always had the greatest of results but, when the fans get behind you, it’s some place.

“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.”

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Aaron Ramsdale stats

A youth product of Sheffield United, Ramsdale was ever-present as the Gunners finished second in the 2022/23 Premier League and has five England caps, joining the squads at Euro 2020 and 2024 and the 2022 Fifa Club World Cup.

Ramsdale lost his place to David Raya in 2023/24, joining Southampton for £25m in August 2024 on a deal until 2029 and suffering his third top-flight relegation last season.

He made 32 appearances for the Saints, keeping three clean sheets.

Ramsdale last faced Newcastle in 2022/23, keeping clean sheets as Arsenal drew 0-0 at home and won 2-0 away, the latter their final away game of the campaign.

The 2022/23 PFA Team of the Year goalkeeper has won three and lost four of his eight meetings with Newcastle, conceding nine goals and keeping four clean sheets.

Aaron Ramsdale. Welcome to St. James' Park 3️⃣2️⃣ pic.twitter.com/uFGo947gpi— Newcastle United (@NUFC) August 2, 2025

Why have Newcastle signed Aaron Ramsdale?

Howe has been pursuing a goalkeeper all summer but missed out on long-standing target James Trafford, who returned to former club Manchester City this week for an initialy £27m from Burnley.

Newcastle chased the 21-year-old last summer and again at the end of May, offering £27m for the England Under-21 international before the Club World Cup in June.

City matched that bid and agreed a five-year contract with the option of a further year to re-sign the player who left them in 2023.

Newcastle have now turned to Ramsdale, who Southampton reportedly would have preferred to sell, as competition for first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope alongside Martin Dubravka, Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie.

Howe called Ramsdale “exceptional,” saying he adds “quality and international experience” to his squad.

“I know what he can bring to us on and off the pitch, so we look forward to welcoming him into the group,” Howe added.

Newcastle transfers 2025/26: Who have they signed?

Ramsdale is Newcastle’s seventh signing of the summer transfer window. Right-winger Anthony Elanga cost £55m from Nottingham Forest, while 18-year-old wideman Antonio Cordero arrived on a free transfer following the expiry of his Malaga deal and has since gone on loan to Belgian Pro League club Westerlo.

Highly-rated South Korea youth international Park Seung-soo has joined from Suwon Bluewings and youngsters Oliver Goodbrand (left-back) and Alfie Hutchison (right wing) have joined the club’s Academy from Rangers.

Georgian Vakhtang Salia will complete his move from Dinamo Tbilisi when the striker turns 18 on August 25.

Long-serving midfielder Sean Longstaff departed for Leeds United for £12m plus £3m in potential add-ons.

Defender Lloyd Kelly has become a Juventus player for £20m after initially joining the Italian giants on loan in August.

When does Newcastle’s 2025/26 Premier League season start?

Newcastle’s opening trip to Aston Villa is on Sunday, August 17 at 12:30 BST.

The game against the Villans, who Newcastle pipped to a place in this season’s Champions League, will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate.

The last round of matches this season will all start at the same time on May 24 2026. No rounds will take place within 60 hours of each other and there will be no fixture on December 24.

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