Newcastle United are on the verge of completing a £24.2 million deal for 20-year-old goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, with a medical examination booked for the Reims shot-stopper. According to sources at Chronicle Live, Jaouen is scheduled to travel to Tyneside tonight, and all parties are optimistic that no last-minute issues will arise before his medical.
Although Jaouen has not yet signed the contract, the usual formalities are in place following positive discussions over the weekend. The Magpies have successfully fended off strong interest from clubs in France and La Liga giants Real Madrid to secure the young talent, who will arrive to compete for the number one position.
Goalkeeper Department Overhaul
Jaouen is not expected to immediately become the first-choice goalkeeper, given his arrival from France's Ligue 2. However, Newcastle's goalkeeper department currently faces uncertainty, and the nature of the rebuild played a key role in Jaouen's decision to move. The club recently opted against signing Aaron Ramsdale permanently, sending the England international back to parent club Southampton after his season-long loan, during which he made 23 appearances in all competitions.
Additionally, John Ruddy was released on a free transfer, clearing the way for an incoming goalkeeper. A more experienced senior goalkeeper is also expected to join the squad. A club statement read: "Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale will return to parent club Southampton following the culmination of his season-long loan. All players depart the club with the thanks and best wishes for the future from everybody at Newcastle United."
Manager's Vision for Young Talent
Speaking about signing younger players, manager Eddie Howe said: "I think there are things within our game model that we would look to evolve. And certainly, there will be a part of the squad that will change - that always happens going into transfer windows whether there's players leaving or players joining. So that's always exciting. And of course, how we play changes every season anyway."
Newcastle United continue to reshape their squad ahead of the new season, with Jaouen's arrival marking a significant step in strengthening the goalkeeping options.
