At a glance
- Newcastle showing interest in 21-year-old keeper
- From zero minutes to league challenger
- Needing to find the right No 1
Newcastle United supporters are beginning to see rumours and speculation surrounding summer transfer activity intensify. Sport Witness reports that Newcastle are set to compete with Tottenham over RC Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser.
The keeper position seems to be one of the major talking points for the Magpies this summer, with potential for change. Risser seems to be one of several names considered, with previous links to Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen and Porto’s Diogo Costa.
With the international break taking place following Eddie Howe’s side’s clash with Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby, more clarity could emerge regarding transfers, and the French keeper could see stronger interest in Tyneside.
Risser on the rise
The 21-year-old shot stopper began his career at Strasbourg; however, he never made a senior appearance for the club.
Last summer, he made the move to Lens, where he has been a fantastic addition to the squad, as they look to battle PSG for the Ligue 1 title.
He has made 26 appearances in the league this season, and he has only conceded 23 goals, with only the league leaders conceding fewer by one.
| Robin Risser (Ligue 1 2025/26) | Stats |
|---|---|
| Appearance | 26 |
| Goals conceded per game | 0.9 |
| Saves per game | 2.5 |
| Successful run outs per game | 88% |
| Goals prevented (xGOT) | 6.46 |
| Accurate passes per game | 77% |
| Possession lost per game | 6.2 |
| Clean sheets | 10 |
| Goals conceded | 23 |
With the French outfit’s current league position, which could see them qualify for the Champions League, something they have only achieved three times in their history, a big fee would have to be paid to secure Risser in the summer.
Pierre Sage team reportedly seeking a fee in the region of €30-€40 million. Nick Pope moved to the Magpies in a £10 million deal, while Ramsdale is currently on loan at Newcastle.
Newcastle have had a plethora of French players over the years, with the most recent being Allan Saint-Maximin, who left the club in 2023.
He now shares a dressing room with Risser, so the Toon Army will be hoping he can put a good word in for Howe’s side.
Newcastle’s keeper void
This season has been a particularly troubling one for Newcastle and their goalkeeper, whoever has been between the sticks.
It looked like Pope would be made a backup to James Trafford in the summer, but any possible move collapsed when the 23-year-old returned to Manchester City.
Pope began the season in goal and has spent most of the season as the No 1 until recently due to a series of errors.
Ramsdale has since surpassed him, and he’s played well, though questions linger whether he can maintain this form, especially if they are to make it a permanent from Southampton in the summer.
All the top teams in the Premier League have a cemented keeper, who normally offers confidence to the team; Newcastle have lacked that this season.
Howe will want to ensure the club move for a top quality No 1, whoever that may be.
With his amazing debut season in the Ligue 1, and at just 21-years-old, it’s no wonder Newcastle may be turning their attention to Risser, who could become their trusted keeper for the next decade.
