John McGinn of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United at Villa Park on August 16, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)placeholder image
John McGinn of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United at Villa Park on August 16, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Newcastle United have signed Jacob Ramsey from Premier League rivals Aston Villa for £39million.
Ramsey travelled to Tyneside in the days leading up to the Magpies’ Premier League opener away to Villa to undergo his medical and finalise his £39milion transfer.
The 24-year-old watched the game, which ended 0-0, from afar before being officially unveiled as a Newcastle player on Sunday evening. He has signed a long-term contract and will wear number 14, the same shirt number he wore at Villa Park.
Jacob Ramsey and Eddie Howe react to transfer
"I'm delighted to be here. It's been a mad two or three days, but I'm really happy to be here and I can't wait to get started,” Ramsey said.
"This is a big move for me, but as soon as I knew the gaffer was interested and really liked me, it didn't take much time to decide. His track record of developing players, especially those who have gone on to become internationals here, speaks for itself.
"It was always a tough game playing for Villa against Newcastle - the team is full of energy, so athletic and the fans are so passionate. I feel my game will suit that and I'm excited to be on the other end of it now."
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Ramsey, who scored 17 times in 167 appearances for Villa, bolsters the midfield area after Newcastle sold Sean Longstaff to Leeds United last month.
"Jacob is another fantastic addition to our squad,” said Eddie Howe. “His qualities will bring us something different on the pitch and he fits the profile of being young and hungry to develop, but also with a wealth of Premier League football under his belt.
"Jacob offers versatility and his directness in attack and has proven to be a real threat at this level in recent seasons. He performed very well in the Champions League last season too and we believe he'll be a major asset for us."
John McGinn sends heartfelt message to Jacob Ramsey
Ramsey came through the academy system at Villa before making his senior debut in 2019. Seeing him depart has provoked a heartfelt message from skipper McGinn.
And in the message, the Scotland international appeared to take aim at Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which essentially incentivises clubs to sell their academy players as it goes down as “pure profit” on the financial books.
Newcastle felt the same pain last year when they were forced to sell Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest in order to comply with the rules and avoid an inevitable points deduction.
“A perfect example of how an academy player should handle the transition to the first-team,” McGinn wrote on Instagram. “Always humble, respectful and willing to learn. It’s been a privilege to share the dressing room with you and enjoy some special moments together on the pitch.
“A sad day losing a top player and person and one of our own but it seems to be the way football is set up these days! All the best JJ @jacobramseyy 💜”
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