JUST IN – Eddie Howe Breaks Silence on Key Newcastle First-Team Star After Transfer Agreement

Three months ago, questions were raised about Newcastle’s goalkeeping situation after Nick Pope made another costly error in a 2–1 defeat to Everton.

That performance sparked debate over whether the goalkeeper position had become a serious weakness for the Magpies and if signing a new shot-stopper should be a priority in the transfer window.

At the time, Eddie Howe avoided singling out any player when asked about the issue.

“I think it’s difficult for me to comment on any one player or position,” Howe said. “Collectively, we have to defend our goal better. That’s everyone across the board. That’s me taking responsibility for that first and filtering that down to the players.”

Fast forward to now, and Newcastle appear to have moved decisively in the transfer market to address the position.

Reports suggest the club are on the verge of signing Reims goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen as their first major signing of the summer. Sources in France indicate that a deal worth around £24.6 million is close to being completed.

The 20-year-old French under-21 international has impressed with his performances, keeping 15 clean sheets last season. If the transfer is completed, it would set a new record fee for a Ligue 2 goalkeeper.

However, it is still unclear whether Jaouen would immediately become Newcastle’s first-choice goalkeeper. At 6ft 6in, he is expected to compete with Nick Pope for the number one spot.

Eddie Howe has previously stressed the importance of early transfer business, especially to allow new players to settle during pre-season.

“July 13 is when they come back, then we have the training camp,” Howe said. “We’d love to get players through the door early so they can do pre-season from day one.

Last summer was difficult for us in that respect. A lot of players came in late, and then you are trying to do that work while there are games happening.”

Newcastle are now aiming to complete deals early in the window as they prepare for the new season, with Jaouen potentially leading the list of arrivals.