The Magpies are due to announce their retained list this week and confirmation of a decision on Aaron Ramsdale should follow
Newcastle United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale
Newcastle goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
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Newcastle United have returned England international Aaron Ramsdale to his parent club Southampton after his season-long loan on Tyneside.
The Magpies were under no obligation to sign Ramsdale, and while they had first option to buy him this summer, it has been confirmed he has gone back to the Hampshire outfit.
The 28-year-old's departure is likely to be confirmed when the Magpies announce their retained list later this week, with John Ruddy also released by United and youngster Max Thompson also heading for pastures new.
As reported by Chronicle Live on May 16, Newcastle's search for a younger stopper was already under way after talks with Reims' Ewen Jaouen. The French Under-21 international is on Eddie Howe's wish-list as the club look to revamp their goalkeeping department and a deal could be clinched soon as negotiations continue.
Brief talks with the Saints took place on Ramsdale over a fee with Howe claiming the ball was in the South Coast club's court last month but as it stands, the ex-AFC Bournemouth and Sheffield United man is heading back to St Mary's for pre-season.
Asked if he would sign Ramsdale in May, Howe said: "I've really enjoyed working with Aaron again. I think he's an unbelievable lad.
"Every time that I've worked with him, I've always had a great feeling about his personality and what he brings to the group - very, very positive guy.
"He's actually become part of the squad so quickly and a really positive part of the squad. Very good off the pitch, very good in supporting the goalkeeper, who's playing and he's played a lot of games this year. I think he'd be really pleased with his return in terms of minutes and what he's given the team.
"I think we've seen a big improvement from the moment that he came to his level, his training performances, his game performances. I think have been really strong."
Howe then hit the ball into Southampton's court as far as making the £20m-rated star into a permanent signing. He said: "Let's see what happens in the next stage of his career.
"We're not in control of what happens with his future; that'll be Southampton's choice, but I can only speak really highly of him."
Newcastle have already coughed up a £4m loan fee, but suggestions of paying a hefty fee of £20m look to have cooled down any potential interest in the Doncaster-born keeper.
Ramsdale signed off for the season after losing his place between the posts after 23 appearances in total for Howe's side. Ramsdale conceded 41 goals in total and kept just two clean sheets for the Magpies.
Ramsdale was called up by England for their spring friendly games against Japan and Uruguay, but he did not add to his five caps for the Three Lions.
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