TBR Football understands Newcastle are happy with goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale after his summer transfer window move from Southampton, despite a lack of minutes under boss Eddie Howe.
The Magpies had a tough transfer window, especially in the striking area as they sought to replace Alexander Isak, who moved to Premier League champions Liverpool for a British record fee on deadline day.
However, despite their frustration in their forward ranks, Newcastle managed to at least strengthen their defensive areas, with one of those signings being Aaron Ramsdale from Southampton.
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The five-time England international was relegated with the Saints last season, and the Magpies issued him a chance to rekindle his Premier League status. However, despite being second-choice behind Nick Pope, the Magpies are happy with the former Bournemouth star.
Newcastle United v Bradford City - Carabao Cup Third Round
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Exclusive: Newcastle are very happy with Aaron Ramsdale despite making just one appearance
TBR Football understands that, although Ramsdale hasn’t featured much for Newcastle, Eddie Howe remains happy with the shot stopper.
Ramsdale joined Newcastle in the summer transfer window on a loan-to-buy option deal, despite suffering three relegations in six years at three different clubs as well as being demoted to Arsenal’s number two option behind David Raya.
However, TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey believes that Eddie Howe is happy with Ramsdale – despite Pope’s form potentially seeing him offered a new deal. He said: “They’re very happy with Aaron Ramsdale.
“It’s brought out the best in Nick Pope, so the situation is working well.
“Pope could even be in line for a new deal soon.”
Ramsdale was labelled as ‘exceptional’ by Mikel Arteta during his time at the Emirates Stadium, but first-team minutes became a problem and he opted for a move to Southampton instead. Their dismal 12-point season saw him momentarily become a second-tier player yet again before his move to Tyneside.
However, minutes continue to be an issue for Ramsdale. He’s yet to play a single minute of Premier League football, with his only outing being a 90-minute appearance against Bradford City in the Carabao Cup.
The Stoke-born star joined on an initial loan deal, with the option to make it a permanent move if all goes well, but he hasn’t had that chance yet.
Unless former Burnley goalkeeper Pope has a run of poor form, it is hard to see Ramsdale coming into the first-team picture.
Nick Pope celebrates Newcastle's opening goal vs Arsenal
Photo by Michael Driver/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Aaron Ramsdale’s Newcastle move has brought the best out of Nick Pope
It’s been a dramatic few months for Nick Pope. A poor spell last season saw Martin Dubravka feature sporadically, and Pope was linked with Leeds United over the summer as his future became unclear.
However, it’s been a solid few months for Pope, with some jaw-dropping saves keeping him in the forefront of Eddie Howe’s plans.
Although Pope was criticised for his poor performance against Arsenal at the end of last month, which resulted in a last-gasp 2-1 loss, he’s still got enough credit in the bank to keep him in the starting XI.
Statistic Nick Pope – number Nick Pope – Premier League rank
Save percentage (%) 79.2 5th
Saves 19 =5th
Clean sheet (%) 71.4 1st
Goals against per 90 0.71 =3rd
Nick Pope statistics compared to Premier League goalkeepers who have started every game this season
Ramsdale will be hungry for minutes and cup appearances won’t cut it, but even having him in their ranks in training has pushed Pope to become better.
It’s been an ideal move from the Magpies and even if Pope does continue his poor form, they’ll reap the rewards.