- Newcastle United sign Ewen Jaoeun
- Magpies pay £24m for French goalkeeper
- Real Madrid were interested
Newcastle United have sealed a deal for Reims goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, handing Eddie Howe a much-desired new number one. The Magpies have been pursuing the French shot-stopper for several weeks.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Jaouen is headed to St James’ Park in a £24m deal. He has confirmed that a deal is in place and that the Frenchman will sign a four-year contract.
Jaouen is the first of many expected arrivals on Tyneside this summer. He will be competing with Nick Pope for a place between the sticks.
Newcastle United sign Jaouen
Newcastle United have got their goalkeeping business sorted early and moved for Jaouen. The 20-year-old’s stock is high amid a fine spell at Reims.
That includes this season, in which he made 34 appearances across competitions and kept 15 clean sheets. There were other goalkeepers linked with the club but Howe’s transfer chiefs have opted to swoop for one of French football’s most highly-rated young shot-stoppers.
Jaouen joins a Magpies side that have lost two goalkeepers. Aaron Ramsdale has headed back to Southampton after the club chose not to sign the Englishman permanently.
John Ruddy has also bid farewell to St James’ Park following the expiration of his contract. That means Jaouen is now rivalling Pope for the number one spot in Howe’s team.
Newcastle saw off Real Madrid
Newcastle reportedly saw off competition from Real Madrid to sign Jaouen. Chronicle Live claims that the La Liga giants made an enquiry to sign the French goalkeeper.
That highlights the huge expectations of the France U21 international who will be playing his football outside of his homeland for the first time. Howe will be hoping he lives up to expectations and makes an immediate impact next season.
The report also claims that Newcastle are still expected to sign a senior shot-stopper following the departures of Ramsdale and Ruddy. Whether that will be a backup or a potential starter remains to be seen.
