Aaron Ramsdale has officially become Newcastle United’s second senior signing of the summer, joining on a season-long loan from Southampton.

Ramsdale, who previously played under Eddie Howe at Bournemouth, is expected to battle with Nick Pope for the starting goalkeeper position this campaign.

The England international joins after a reported £4m loan fee was given to the Saints, but Ramsdale’s contract includes an option to buy clause, rather than an obligation, which will become active at the end of the 2025/26 season.

Howe happy to sign “exceptional” Ramsdale

Howe has lavished praise on Ramsdale after his arrival the club, where he feels the former Arsenal star will have a big part to play this season.

The boss has hailed the 27-year-old’s quality and international exprience following his time with England, feeling he’ll bring a lot both on and off the pitch after working with him previously:

“Aaron is an exceptional goalkeeper who adds further quality and international experience to our squad.”

“Having worked with him before, I know what he can bring to us on and off the pitch, so we look forward to welcoming him into the group.”

Ramsdale joins the likes of Callum Wilson, Matt Ritchie, Ryan Fraser and Lloyd Kelly in being part of both Howe’s Bournemouth and Newcastle sides, and he’ll be looking to bounce back from his relegation with Southampton last season.

On his past work under the gaffer, Ramsdale explains how influential that proved to be in helping him pick Newcastle over a permanent move to Sunderland, which he reportedly turned down.

“Working with the manager and his coaching staff again were a big draw for me.”

“They’ve already had a great influence on my career and the gaffer turned me from a man into a professional footballer at Bournemouth.

“He really showed me the ropes so the manager and his coaching staff were a huge selling point for me to come here.”

Can Eddie get Aaron back to his best?

Still only 27, Ramsdale arrives on Tyneside in the hopes of making England’s World Cup squad for next summer.

Whilst there’s not much chance anyone displaces Jordan Pickford as the Three Lions No.1 next summer, but Ramsdale will fancy his chances against the likes of James Trafford, Sam Johnstone, and new teammate Nick Pope.

Ramsdale was negatively scapegoated by a lot of Arsenal fans during his time at the Emirates, and there was no player capable of saving Southampton last season, so this will truly feel like a fresh opportunity and chance at redemption at this stage of his career.