Newcastle United’s overinflated goalkeeping department looks set for a much-needed trim over the coming weeks.
A long-term pursuit of James Trafford ultimately failed, as the 22-year-old ended up returning to former club Man City, but that blow was followed by the arrival of Aaron Ramsdale, who signed officially on Saturday from Southampton.
That loan-to-buy deal – a £4m loan fee with an OPTION to buy next summer – adds competition for Nick Pope and the chance for Ramsdale to not only win a permanent move, but reignite his career at Premier League level and solidify his spot in Thomas Tuchel’s squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
But what does it mean elsewhere for Newcastle United’s curiously large goalkeeping department?
It is our understanding that **Martin Dubravka** is yet to link up with the squad in Asia as the Slovakian goalkeeper’s camp are working on a move away from St James’ Park following Ramsdale’s arrival.
The 36-year-old signed a new deal in February, handing him a pay-rise and one-year extension after he stepped in admirably for the previously injured Pope.
However, a permanent move for the former Sparta Prague star has now been sanctioned, with the goalkeeper eager to play regularly at this stage of his career, especially with the World Cup coming up in what could be one of Dubravka’s last major international tournaments.
It remains to be seen if a switch to Al-Shabab is still on the cards after a serious offer in January, while clubs in Italy and Germany have previously shown interest, with Burnley also touted as a potential destination.
Elsewhere, forgotten man **Odysseas Vlacodimos** is also free to leave, although as loan is far more likely if the right offer arrives for the 31-year-old.
As reported elsewhere, a permanent exit would not be suitable on Newcastle’s behalf given the negative impact it would have from a PSR standpoint, meaning loan offers will be encouraged.
The Greek international is keen to win back his place as his country’s No. 1 and is thought to prefer a switch to one of Europe’s top five leagues after turning down a move to Mexico.
La Liga duo Sevilla and Villarreal have been tentatively linked with a move, but it’s expected that he and Dubravka will depart before the September 1st deadline.
That would leave Newcastle with a pool of four goalkeepers; Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale, John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie, with former England youth talent Max Thompson likely to be loaned out again despite making his debut in Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat to Team K-League.