Ewen Jaouen is raring to go at Newcastle United after officially becoming their first signing of the summer.
The goalkeeper has completed a move from Reims as Newcastle United look to right the wrongs of last season by moving quickly in the transfer market.
Jaouen is a highly-rated young goalkeeper previously linked with Real Madrid but it is Newcastle who have won the race to sign him.
Newcastle’s first summer signing, Ewen Jaouen is here 🙌 How do you rate this deal out of 10?
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Quite whether or not he’s ready for the Premier League remains to be seen but the 20-year-old does, on paper at least, look like a promising signing.
Indeed, it seems as if the club have already left quite the impression on him.
Jaouen impressed after visiting Newcastle United’s training ground
Speaking to Newcastle United’s official website, he said: “I’m really excited to become a Newcastle United player.
“When I visited the training ground, I could see how passionate everyone is about the club and the work they do, and I loved the environment straight away. I also had the chance to see the stadium and it’s huge.
“I’ve heard so much about the supporters and how they are the best in the country. The passion of the entire city and the atmosphere at St James’ Park are famous throughout football, and I can’t wait to experience that for myself and become a true Geordie.
“As a goalkeeper, I enjoy one on one situations and playing as a modern keeper, building from the back and being comfortable with the ball at my feet. Now I want to develop alongside the amazing players and staff here, enjoy my football, and prove my value on the pitch.”
Newcastle’s training ground clearly isn’t on par with some of their rivals. There are reportedly plans to improve it but fans have been kept in the dark about that for years now.
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Still, and while a new signing is always going to say what fans want to hear, it does appear to have impressed a player who had interest from other top European clubs.
Eddie Howe also praised the deal, saying: “Ewen is a great addition and I am delighted to welcome him to Newcastle United.
“He is an exciting young goalkeeper who has shown real promise during his time in France. He has a calmness and presence that belies his age, and he’s someone we feel can grow and improve within our environment.”
Jaouen has signed a long-term contract and is currently on course to compete with Nick Pope for a starting berth next season.
That, however, could all change. Pope has been linked with a move to Ipswich, while it remains to be seen if Newcastle sign another goalkeeper if the England international does leave this summer.
The goalkeeping position was one of many points of weakness in the team last season, so it’s promising to see it at least start to get addressed.
Newcastle do plan to sign younger players this summer, having got their strategy completely wrong last year.
With Anthony Gordon sold and a new goalkeeper signed, things are starting to look up.
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