Aaron Ramsdale: Newcastle United open talks to sign Southampton goalkeeper

When Nick Pope started against Italy at the San Siro in September 2022 he became the first Newcastle goalkeeper to win a senior England cap for 121 years. Three years later and the Magpies could now have another England international stopper on their books.

But Newcastle fans could be forgiven for any apprehension around potentially signing a goalkeeper who has suffered relegation from the Premier League with three different clubs.

Ramsdale was in the Southampton side that went down with 12 points last term and he also dropped out of the Premier League with Sheffield United in 2020-21 and Bournemouth in 2019-20 – and even endured a League Two demotion while on loan at Chesterfield seven years ago.

The 27-year-old conceded 66 goals and kept three top-flight clean sheets in a disastrous 2024-25 with his numbers understandably below average due to playing behind such a porous defence.

His experience cannot be questioned, however, and he has 183 Premier League appearances to his name – only 38 fewer than current Newcastle number one Pope.

Ramsdale’s Premier League career profile is similar to Eddie Howe’s back-up keeper Martin Dubravka – both are less accomplished shot stoppers than Pope but more accurate passers.

Dubravka did well when called upon last term but he will turn 37 in January and the opportunity to sign a player almost 10 years younger with comparable ability could prove to be shrewd business.