Jacob Ramsey has signed for Newcastle United, leaving **Aston Villa**after spending his whole career in the Midlands. The talented 24-year-old is embracing the change of scene, and he feels that a "fresh start" is what he needs to make the most of his potential with some familiar faces to help on the way.
‘This manager can do that for me’
The Premier League season has started, and Ramsey expressed how keen he is to get down to work.
“I'm delighted. It’s been a mad couple days, but I'm delighted to be here. I can't wait to get started.”
He spent about four and a half months on loan at Doncaster Rovers in 2020, so this transfer marks the first permanent move away from his boyhood club, but the player believes it is the right time.
“I've been at been at Villa all my life. I think I've had one little loan spell about six months. But this is a big move for me. As soon as I knew that this gaffer was interested and he really liked me, it did not take much for me to decide. I want to get back to my best level and this manager can do that for me.”
When Ramsey was riding the high of his breakthrough into the first team, he won the Under-21 **European Championship**with **England**in the summer of 2023. That experience meant he also became closer to Anthony Gordon, one of a few players who should help him settle into the side.
“I know a few of the boys from England and the youth setup. I played with Anthony many of times. I played with Lewis and Tino a few times. I spoke to Anthony: he's been texting me quite a while, a few messages. They've already got positive things to say. I know Matt Target from his time at Villa. He's always said Newcastle's a big club. As soon as the news broke out, I got a couple of nice messages.”
Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento made their debuts for the Three Lions under **Lee Carsley**at the end of 2024, while **Dan Burn**earned his call-up under Thomas Tuchel in March earlier this year. The summer signing sees these feats as a reflection of the development of the players under Eddie Howe.
“When I look at the squad, I know quite a few of the players. I’m not an England international at the moment. But I think if you look at the squad when the players joined that weren't internationals and then the manager made them into much better players and they've gone on to play for the country.”
With the World Cup looming next year, he wants to throw his name in the mix for the national team.
“In recent years and probably last season I was close to making the England senior setup. As a young English boy playing in the in the youth ranks for England, the main goal is to play for the senior side. So yeah, that's probably one of the reasons why I've come here to try and get into the senior squad.”
Born and bred in Birmingham, the 24-year-old is not moving to Tyneside blind thanks to his partner.
“I know a little bit. My girlfriend's family are from Newcastle. I've been to Newcastle two or three times, but now being a Newcastle player, I will get to get to really know the scene much better.”
If he hits the ground running, his debut could come at **St. James' Park**in just over a week. **Liverpool**travel to the North-East in a repeat of the Carabao Cup final. It is a fixture that should be enthralling.
“Playing against this Newcastle, the fans have been absolutely brilliant and I'm looking forward to that game on Monday. Hopefully I come on, make an impact, and give a good first impression.”
‘There's going to be loads of opportunities’
Ramsey scored his first league goal in a 3-1 loss to **Arsenal**in October 2021, and that season was the first of two in which he shone for the Villans. Across 69 outings, he scored 12 times, assisted 8 goals, won his club's Player of the Season, and was the Premier League Academy Graduate of the Season.
“The past two seasons haven't gone the way that it's been planned or I wanted to, but I think before that I was playing regularly for Villa, a ton of games. So although I'm 24, I've had big experiences.”
He identified what traits he has to bring to the table and should align with the vision for the team.
“Aggressive, passionate, athletic, energy, playing for Villa against them, we always knew it was going to be a tough game. Loads of tackles, a bit of rivalry, feistiness. I'm excited to be on the other end.”
The Toon threw their weight around when Ramsey's new side met his old one at **Villa Park**on Saturday. He knows the standards of the squad and thinks he can fit in over the next few weeks.
“Energy: box-to-box midfielder, goalscoring ability. I like to get in the pockets. My position has kind of changed over the years, but I think if you look back when I've played this position before, I've been aggressive, powerful, athletic. I'll definitely bring that.”
Injuries are one factor that limited his minutes over the last two campaigns as Villa have kicked on. It will not be the first time that the 24-year-old must fight for his place, and he does not fear that task.
*“First and foremost, every footballer backs their ability 100%. Secondly, we're going to have loads of games, especially in the Champions League. When I was at Villa last season, the schedule and the games were coming thick and fast. There's going to be opportunities to play. Then it's down to me if I perform then I can keep playing. With games coming up, there's going to be loads of opportunities.”*
The midfielder also wishes to channel the fanatic energy of the Geordies into his performances.
“I am a quite physical player. I like to get stuck in. Hopefully I can show the fans that I know how passionate they are, especially playing against them. So it's good to have them on my side.”
Football can feel like a 'what have you done for me lately' environment. There is still time for Ramsey to project himself to the top of the English game. He is in a good headspace to thrive on a fresh start.
“Football's getting to a stage where 24 is old, but I still feel really young. I've got many years ahead of me. After two difficult seasons, I probably needed a fresh start and a new environment and whatever and this is the perfect spot for me just to push on and get back to them levels.”