adminNewcastle United are set to complete their first major signing of the summer transfer window after agreeing a deal with a European club for a highly-rated star.
The Magpies have reached a lucrative agreement with the club to sign one of their best players, making him the most expensive signing in the club’s history for his position. The fee surpasses the amount Newcastle paid Nottingham Forest to sign their goalkeeper.
The player has reportedly agreed to a four-year contract at St James’ Park and is expected to travel to Tyneside next week to complete the move. Reports from France suggest that a medical has already been scheduled for Tuesday.
The young player attracted interest from several European giants, including Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, but Newcastle appear to have won the race for his signature.
Who is Ewen Jaouen?
Standing at 6ft 6in, Jaouen was born in Paris before moving to Brittany with his family at the age of five. He developed through the youth ranks at Guingamp before joining Reims in 2023.
He made his senior debut during a loan spell with Rodez in Ligue 2 in 2024 at just 18 years old. During the 2024/25 season, he spent time on loan at Dunkirk, where he famously scored the winning penalty in a Coupe de France last-16 victory over Lille.
Last season, Jaouen established himself as Reims’ first-choice goalkeeper, starting every league match as the club secured a sixth-place finish in Ligue 2. He has also represented France at various youth levels up to the Under-21 team.
His arrival comes after Newcastle decided against making Aaron Ramsdale’s loan move from Southampton permanent this summer. Jaouen is expected to provide strong competition for current first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope.
Jaouen’s arrival could create uncertainty around Nick Pope’s future at Newcastle. The England goalkeeper is entering the final year of his contract, and reports suggest the club would be willing to listen to offers this summer.
A potential departure for Pope could open the door for Newcastle to strengthen further in the goalkeeping department. However, Jaouen will first have the opportunity during pre-season to impress head coach Eddie Howe and challenge for the starting role.
Howe has previously made it clear that he prefers consistency in the goalkeeper position rather than regular rotation.
Speaking last season, the Newcastle manager said:
> “You don’t naturally think about rotating the goalkeeper. It’s a position of consistency. Changing a goalkeeper is possible, but it’s a big call because defenders get used to a certain style. Rotating goalkeepers isn’t something I want to do.”
If the deal is completed as expected, Jaouen will become Newcastle United’s first signing of the summer and one of the club’s most significant investments in a goalkeeper.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
admin
