Newcastle United's £18.5m signing Ewen Jaouen has given the green light for the club to pursue a new first-choice goalkeeper, as the young Frenchman is expected to serve as a number two in his debut season.
Jaouen's Role at Newcastle
The 20-year-old goalkeeper joined from Stade Reims last week in a deal worth £18.5m, with Newcastle believing the investment will prove worthwhile based on data analysis. However, the immediate question was whether Jaouen would be the number one or a learning prospect behind an experienced option. It is understood to be the latter, with the club scouring the market for a new first-choice goalkeeper. Nick Pope is expected to leave this summer amid Premier League interest, opening the door for a new keeper to join Jaouen.
This does not dampen Newcastle's belief in Jaouen's potential. Described as calm and capable with the ball at his feet, his former goalkeeper coach at Dunkerque, Christophe Lollichon, who spent nine years at Chelsea, believes Jaouen can become a top-10 goalkeeper in the world. However, he stresses patience is needed for Jaouen to adapt to the Premier League.
Lollichon's Assessment
Lollichon told BBC Sport: "I think the objective of Newcastle is for him to observe the new level in his first season. Ewen was a number one in Ligue 2, but the Premier League is the top. The intensity and quality are a big change, but Ewen has the ability to observe and adapt quickly. He's very professional and discreet; he needs to feel love around him."
This gives Newcastle the green light to sign a more experienced option. Manchester City's James Trafford remains the dream target, having chosen City over Newcastle last year despite the Magpies having a bid accepted by Burnley. Trafford has played second fiddle to Gianluigi Donnarumma and wants regular football, but with Enzo Maresca expected as City's new boss, he may wait to see his standing. Newcastle are monitoring other options as well.
