Aaron Ramsdale speaks out on what made him want Newcastle move | Football

Aaron Ramsdale has completed his loan move from Southampton to Newcastle, pointing out three reasons behind his motivation to move to St James’ Park.

The 27-year-old spent just one year with the Saints after signing from Arsenal and it was not a great season as Southampton finished bottom of the Premier League table.

The England international’s reputation remained intact, though, and he is straight back into the top flight.

The Magpies have brought in the goalkeeper on a season-long loan with an option to buy next summer and he expects that will be taken up as he says he will be with the club for the ‘foreseeable future’.

There were multiple reasons that Ramsdale was attracted to Newcastle, firstly mentioning St James’ Park itself, where he has played many times before.

Speaking on his unveiling as a Newcastle player, he said: ‘It’s great to be here. I’ve always loved coming here and I’ve seen how passionate and loud the fans can be. I’ve always loved playing here at St. James’ Park – I’ve not always had the greatest of results, but when the fans get behind you it’s some place.’

The Magpies finished fifth last season, returning to the Champions League as a result and the chance to play at Europe’s top table again was obviously also an attraction for the stopper.

‘Coming to the stadium and seeing it empty today, it’s quite surreal to think that this is going to be home for the foreseeable future,’ he said. ‘I’ve got the kit on, it’s got the nice Champions League badge on the sleeve and I’m delighted to be here.’

Another great appeal for Ramsdale is getting to work with manager Eddie Howe again after their time together at Bournemouth.

The goalkeeper enjoyed his Premier League breakthrough with the Cherries, making 37 top flight appearances under Howe in the 2019/20 season.

‘Working with the manager and his coaching staff again were a big draw for me,’ he said.

‘They’ve already had a great influence on my career and the gaffer turned me from a man into a professional footballer at Bournemouth. He really showed me the ropes so the manager and his coaching staff were a huge selling point for me to come here.’

Newcastle already have Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka in their ranks and it is not entirely clear which goalkeeper will be first choice when the season gets underway later this month.

Speaking of his new signing, Howe said: ‘Aaron is an exceptional goalkeeper who adds further quality and international experience to our squad.

‘Having worked with him before, I know what he can bring to us on and off the pitch, so we look forward to welcoming him into the group.’

The Magpies get their Premier League campaign underway away at Aston Villa on Saturday August 16.

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