News Focus
- Newcastle United have struck a €28.5 million deal with Stade de Reims for goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen.
- The 20-year-old French youth international will sign a four-year contract at St James’ Park.
- Chelsea and Real Madrid both showed strong interest in the shot-stopper before this move.
- The Magpies needed a young keeper after Nick Pope turned 34 and Aaron Ramsdale left the club.
- Jaouen impressed on loan at Dunkerque last season, helping them reach the Coupe de France semi-finals.
Newcastle United have agreed a deal worth €28.5 million to sign Ewen Jaouen from Stade de Reims. The Premier League side beat other top clubs to secure the signature of the 20-year-old French goalkeeper.
The young shot-stopper had attracted attention from several big teams. He previously visited Chelsea’s training ground. Real Madrid also viewed him as a future replacement for Thibaut Courtois. Despite this interest, he has chosen to move to Tyneside. The player will sign a four-year contract with the Magpies.
Jaouen started his career at Guingamp before joining Reims. Last season, he played on loan at USL Dunkerque in Ligue 2. He produced excellent performances during that spell. His loan club nearly won promotion to the top flight. They also reached the last four of the Coupe de France.
Reims dropped down to Ligue 2 at the end of the previous campaign. Jaouen returned to the club last summer. He has been the first-choice keeper throughout this season. However, the team has failed to win promotion back to Ligue 1.
Newcastle needed to sign a young goalkeeper for the future. Their current number one, Nick Pope, is now 34 years old. The club also parted company with Aaron Ramsdale recently. This transfer addresses that gap in the squad.