Abdulhafiz TeslimNewcastle United are now closing in on a deal for a “very intelligent” player after holding talks with both his club and representatives.
Alan Shearer urges Eddie Howe to rebuild this summer
Newcastle’s 2-0 defeat to Fulham summed up their season, with Alan Shearer bemoaning the lack of “energy” and “hunger” before suggesting Eddie Howe needs to make major changes to his squad this summer.
Shearer said:
> “I think it is clear now for everyone to see that Eddie Howe needs to refresh the squad, ship six or seven out and bring six or seven in.
> “It is about wanting to improve and wanting to get results when the club have had a really difficult Premier League season. That is why they are where they are in the table at this moment in time, and it has been so poor in the league this season.”
The loss at Craven Cottage condemned the Magpies to a 12th-place finish in the Premier League, having also conceded 55 goals throughout the campaign.
Goalkeeper Nick Pope also came in for criticism after a number of inconsistent performances. Pope was used interchangeably with Aaron Ramsdale during the season, with Howe unable to settle on his preferred choice between the sticks.
As a result, signing a new goalkeeper has become a priority for Newcastle this summer.
Newcastle advancing to sign “very intelligent” goalkeeper
According to The Chronicle, Newcastle are now closing in on their first summer signing after holding talks with Reims over a deal for goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen.
The Ligue 2 side reportedly value the shot-stopper at around €15m–€20m (£13m–£17m).
Discussions have also been held with Jaouen’s representatives, and both parties remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached, although nothing has been finalised at this stage.
Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion are also said to be interested in the 6ft 6in goalkeeper, who remains under contract with Reims until 2029.
Before joining Reims, the 20-year-old spent time with fellow Ligue 2 side Dunkerque, where he earned praise from former manager Luis Castro.
Castro said:
> “He handles shots well in training. He’s a very young goalkeeper who is developing well with our goalkeeping coach. He’s better now than he was at the start of the season because he always listens to what we say. He’s very intelligent.”
Jaouen went on to record 15 clean sheets during the 2025-26 Ligue 2 campaign — more than any other goalkeeper in the division.
Ewen Jaouen’s Ligue 2 stats (2025-26)
34 appearances
35 goals conceded
15 clean sheets
67% save percentage
2.1 saves per 90
1.0 goals conceded per 90
However, with Jaouen still yet to prove himself in one of Europe’s top leagues, Newcastle may still look to bring in a more experienced goalkeeper this summer.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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