Newcastle confirm Aaron Ramsdale signing: What now for Magpies goalkeeper Nick Pope?

Newcastle United have announced the signing of Aaron Ramsdale from Southampton, with the English goalkeeper making the move to St James' Park on a season-long loan deal.

The 27-year-old made 32 appearances for Southampton during the 2024-25 campaign, but he was always likely to leave the Saints this summer following their relegation back to the Championship.

Newcastle had been heavily linked with James Trafford, but the stopper returned to Manchester City from Burnley, which led to the Magpies switching their attention to Ramsdale.

The goalkeeper has made the move to the Champions League club on an initial loan deal, but there will be an option to bring him to St James' Park on a permanent basis during next summer's transfer window.

Ramsdale has said that he is "delighted" to have been given the chance to represent Newcastle.

Ramsdale "delighted" to secure Newcastle loan switch

Ramsdale told the club's official website: "It's great to be here. I've always loved coming here and I've seen how passionate and loud the fans can be. I've always loved playing here at St. James' Park - I've not always had the greatest of results, but when the fans get behind you it's some place.

"Coming to the stadium and seeing it empty today, it's quite surreal to think that this is going to be home for the foreseeable future. I've got the kit on, it’s got the nice Champions League badge on the sleeve and I'm delighted to be here.

"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 for me to come here."

Meanwhile, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said: "Aaron is an exceptional goalkeeper who adds further quality and international experience to our squad. Having worked with him before, I know what he can bring to us on and off the pitch, so we look forward to welcoming him into the group."

Ramsdale will battle Pope for the gloves at Newcastle

Newcastle head coach Howe has been determined to bring in a goalkeeper capable of battling Pope for the number one spot, rather than one who would immediately become the number one.

Ramsdale has a fight on his hands to take the gloves away from Pope, who has been one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the Premier League in recent years.

However, the 33-year-old has struggled with injury problems of late, being restricted to just 15 Premier League appearances in 2023-24 and 28 in 2024-25.

There have been suggestions that Manchester United are keeping an eye on Pope, with the Red Devils looking to sign a new goalkeeper, but a move at this stage is unlikely.

Pope and Ramsdale also both have ambitions of heading to the World Cup with England next summer, and it is set to be a fascinating battle for the gloves at St James' Park during the 2025-26 campaign.