Newcastle United set to complete fourth summer signing ahead of Aston Villa - on one condition
Newcastle United are closing in on their fourth summer signing ahead of Saturday’s season opener at Aston Villa (12:30pm kick-off).
After announcing the signing of defender Malick Thiaw from AC Milan on Tuesday night, Newcastle are pushing to make at least one more signing before the competitive 2025/26 season gets underway.
Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey has emerged as a top midfield target as The Magpies look to strengthen in that area having sold Elliot Anderson and Sean Longstaff in the past two summer transfer windows without bringing in a replacement. There are also question marks over Joe Willock’s fitness with the midfielder ruled out for Saturday’s trip to Villa Park.
As such, Ramsey has been identified as an ideal signing for Newcastle who will bring Premier League and Champions League experience to the group. The 24-year-old can play through the middle or out wide as a versatile option for Eddie Howe, he also scored in Villa’s first ever Champions League match against Young Boys last season.
Newcastle United close in on Jacob Ramsey signing
Newcastle are understood to have agreed a £40million package with Aston Villa over the signing of Jacob Ramsey.
But the deal still hinges on Ramsey agreeing personal terms with Newcastle and completing a medical.
The Daily Mail has suggested that personal terms are unlikely to be an issue as the player wants to join Newcastle and the transfer could be completed before the weekend.
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A long-term target for Eddie Howe
Eddie Howe is said to be a big admirer of Ramsey, who has made 167 appearances for Villa, scoring 17 goals. Ramsey scored four goals in 45 appearances for Villa in all competitions last season, starting 25.
The 24-year-old midfielder graduated from Villa’s academy and will be viewed as a pure profit sale in PSR terms. As such, Villa are open to the sale as they look to avoid a potential PSR points deduction by raising transfer funds.
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Fabrizio Romano teases Newcastle United ‘here we go’
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano added fuel to the Ramsey reports by teasing the £40million transfer with his trademark ‘here we go’ slogan.
Romano tweeted: “Understand Newcastle are closing in on Jacob Ramsey deal with Aston Villa! Agreement almost done for £40m package as clubs are finalising the deal and then… here we go.
“Despite West Ham approach, Ramsey only wants Newcastle as #NUFC move is now imminent.”
In addition to midfield signings, Newcastle are looking to bring in at least one forward before the September 1 transfer deadline. The uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak has forced Newcastle’s hand in the transfer market as they pursue potential replacements for the wantaway striker.
Brentford’s Yoane Wissa is a top target as things stand, with Newcastle’s pursuit set to accelerate in the coming days. Another striker signing may be required depending on how Isak’s situation progresses.
If the striker is sold, Newcastle will eye another striker in addition to Wissa. But with claims the Swede is not willing to return to The Magpies’ first-team regardless of whether he’s sold, signing two striker signings could be necessary either way.