adminNewcastle United are close to wrapping up one of their biggest deals of the summer, having agreed a move for a highly rated young player.
The club has reportedly struck a record-breaking agreement, with the fee set to make him the most expensive signing in Newcastle United history. It also surpasses what the club previously paid to sign a key player from Nottingham Forest.
Reports from France say player has agreed to a four-year deal at St James’ Park and is expected on Tyneside next week to complete the transfer. A medical is already lined up for Tuesday.
Who is Ewen Jaouen?
Jaouen is a 6ft 6in goalkeeper who was born in Paris before moving to Brittany with his family when he was five. He started out at Guingamp’s academy before joining Reims in 2023.
He made his senior debut at just 18 while on loan at Rodez in Ligue 2 in 2024. The following season, he spent time at Dunkirk, where he even grabbed headlines after stepping up to score a decisive penalty in a Coupe de France last-16 win over Lille.
Last season, he became Reims’ first-choice goalkeeper, playing every league game as the club finished sixth in Ligue 2. He has also featured for France at youth level, including the U21s.
His performances didn’t go unnoticed, with clubs like Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, and Real Madrid all showing interest. But it now looks like Newcastle United have won the race for his signature.
Inside the club’s reaction
A club official was clearly excited about the deal, saying:
With much delight Ross wilson spoke after the signing:“We are pleased to confirm that on Wednesday, June 3rd, we exercised the clause and the player will remain part of our squad until June 30th…”
He added:
“We can’t reveal the exact figures, but this is the highest transfer fee in the club’s history.”
Jaouen’s arrival comes after Newcastle decided against making Aaron Ramsdale’s loan move from Southampton permanent this summer. The young French goalkeeper is expected to add real competition for current No. 1 Nick Pope.
It could also open the door to changes in goal. Pope is entering the final year of his contract, and there are suggestions the club could consider offers if the right bid comes in.
If that happens, Newcastle may look at further reinforcements in goal. For now, though, Jaouen will get his chance in pre-season to impress manager Eddie Howe and push for the starting spot.
Howe has previously stressed how important consistency is when it comes to goalkeepers, saying:
“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.”
If everything goes through as expected, Jaouen will become Newcastle United’s first signing of the summer and one of their biggest long-term investments in the goalkeeping department as they continue building for the future.
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