Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is in talks to join Newcastle after the Magpies missed out on James Trafford.
Trafford was Newcastle’s top target between the sticks this summer.
But the 22-year-old has instead opted to rejoin former club Manchester City.
As a result, Newcastle remain in the market for a new goalkeeper, with Southampton’s Ramsdale now close to a move.
The Magpies are the favourites to land the Saints keeper, who had been expected to leave St Mary’s this window.
At the time of writing, UK betting sites have Newcastle as the most likely destination.
Ramsdale has worked with manager Eddie Howe before at Bournemouth, and is believed to have already agreed to the move.
🚨⚪️⚫️ Newcastle have opened talks to sign Aaron Ramsdale from Southampton.
Negotiations ongoing after Trafford deal collapsed with Man City signing the GK.
Ramsdale, keen on joining #NUFC as @SkySports_Keith reports. pic.twitter.com/w4XBTgBkkz
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 28, 2025
James Trafford Completes Manchester City Move
Last Friday, it was confirmed that Manchester City would re-sign former keeper James Trafford.
The English shot-stopper will return to the Etihad in a deal worth £27 million, two years on from joining Burnley.
A product of the City academy, he made the switch to Turf Moor in 2023 for £19 million.
Trafford played a key role in Scott Parker’s Burnley side as they were promoted back to the Premier League last season.
The Clarets kept 29 clean sheets, with Trafford named in the EFL Championship team of the year.
🚨🔵 EXCLUSIVE: Manchester City agree deal to sign James Trafford as new goalkeeper, here we go!
Deal in place with Burnley under value of £40m buy back clause. Trafford said yes to Man City as Pep Guardiola wanted him.
Newcastle are also informed about Trafford’s decision. pic.twitter.com/UG4X3V2lsZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 25, 2025
As part of his transfer to Burnley, Manchester City retained a buy-back clause, allowing them to match any bid made for Trafford.
They elected to do so, matching Newcastle’s £27m offer.
Although Newcastle were in talks over James Trafford since June, the player has since decided to return to the Etihad, signing a five-year deal.
With City number one Ederson entering the final year of his contract, Trafford will hope to push for a starting role.
Aaron Ramsdale Newcastle Transfer Makes Sense
Now that Trafford is no longer an option, Newcastle remain in need of a new goalkeeper.
Their current crop of Nick Pope, Odysseas Vlachodimos, Martin Dubravka and Mark Gillespie are all over 30.
And with Nick Pope’s injury problems, it’s clear why Eddie Howe has felt the need to pursue a new number one.
It therefore makes sense that he is turning to a player he knows well.
Former Bournemouth keeper Aaron Ramsdale worked under Howe during the latter’s time as Cherries manager.
The pair have a good relationship, with Ramsdale crediting Howe for helping revitalise his career in 2020.
Ramsdale said at the time: “I’m very grateful Eddie Howe gave me a second chance.”
Aaron Ramsdale Release Clause
Following Southampton’s relegation to the Championship, Aaron Ramsdale is available at a very reasonable price.
The 27-year-old has a relegation release clause worth £25 million.
As a result, he can be bought for less than the £27 million bid Newcastle made to Burnley for James Trafford.
And in today’s market, such a fee is very low for an international goalkeeper with Premier League and European experience.
He isn’t without suitors, either. In February, Chelsea were urged to sign Aaron Ramsdale.
West Ham have also been linked, but it is believed Ramsdale would be most keen to reunite with Eddie Howe at St James’ Park.
Aaron Ramsdale Stats
Since joining Southampton last summer, Aaron Ramsdale has endured a difficult spell.
With just four clean sheets and 68 goals conceded in 32 appearances, it’s been a rough year for him.
But to those who have watched the Saints regularly, Ramsdale was often the reason they conceded three or four, rather than five or six.
And his time at Arsenal, Bournemouth and Sheffield United has earned him plenty of credit in the bank.
While at the Emirates, he played 89 games for the Gunners, letting in just 99 goals and keeping an impressive 32 clean sheets.
Southampton will be reluctant to let him go, but there is no doubting Aaron Ramsdale is a Premier League quality goalkeeper who should be playing in the top flight.
