Jacob Ramsey of Newcastle United reacts during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United at Villa Park on February 14, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)placeholder image
Jacob Ramsey of Newcastle United reacts during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United at Villa Park on February 14, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Jacob Ramsey kissed the Newcastle United badge on his return to Aston Villa.
The 24-year-old came through the academy ranks at Villa and made 167 senior appearances before being sold to Newcastle in a deal worth £43million.
It was a reluctant sale from Villa, though one they were required to sanction to help comply with UEFA and Premier League financial rules. The Magpies faced a similar situation in the previous summer when Elliot Anderson left to join Nottingham Forest.
Jacob Ramsey kisses Newcastle United badge on Aston Villa return
When Newcastle visited Villa Park on the opening day of the 2025-26 Premier League season, Ramsey was in the process of completing his transfer to Tyneside, so he didn’t feature.
During Villa’s 2-0 win at St James’ Park last month, Ramsey was brought on as a second-half substitute but earned his place in the starting line-up for United’s 3-1 FA Cup win on Saturday night, having scored his first goal for the club in Tuesday’s 2-1 victory away to Tottenham Hotspur.
As Ramsey entered the Villa Park field for his pre-match warm-up, he was captured by the TV camera kissing the Newcastle badge in a funny interaction with former teammate and close pal Morgan Rogers.
A smirking Rogers responded by giving Ramsey the thumbs down. It was a harmless bit of banter, though it was enough to irk some Villa fans.
Jacob Ramsey sends message to Aston Villa
There was no sentiment in Ramsey’s performance as he played 80 minutes as Newcastle, in spite of the officials, fought from 1-0 down to win 3-1.
After being replaced by Joe Willock, Ramsey applauded both the home fans and the 6,000 away fans. Taking to Instagram after the game, the midfielder also sent a message to both.
Ramsey wrote: “Next round! Good to return to Villa Park & see so many familiar faces yesterday.”
Eddie Howe on Jacob Ramsey settling in at Newcastle United
Ramsey made a slow start to life at Newcastle but has started he prove his worth in recent weeks with standout performances away to Paris Saint-Germain and Spurs.
“It can never be underestimated how difficult it is for any player to leave a club you have been associated with for so long.” Howe said at his pre-match press conference. “You have got to feel that new identity with your new team and sometimes that takes longer for some people than others.
“I’m not saying that was the case with Jacob because I don’t know how he felt deep down but, certainly, in the first few weeks, the first few games you play can be difficult for a new team, especially a slightly different way of play of playing and a slightly different position.
“I’ve got to say he’s done it all with real professionalism. I’ve had no issues with him. He’s worked really hard at his game. He’s been very conscientious, really good around the training ground.
“He’s settling in really well with his team-mates. He has really good friendship groups and looks really happy.
“But there’s nothing better than actually contributing and helping the team win games. There’s no better way to feel part of the Newcastle family than that and I think that will be a big turning point for him.”
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