Newcastle United have signed a player who they actually hope does not play at all

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It does not feel like it, but Newcastle United have actually had a busy start to the transfer window.

There have been two major departures from St James’ Park, with Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh sold for big money to resolve Newcastle United’s PSR nightmare.

Their exits, alongside Dan Ashworth leaving, will ensure that Newcastle avoid a points deduction, which was vital for PIF.

There have also been four incomings, one of which was Lewis Hall’s loan move from Chelsea becoming permanent.

As well as Hall, Newcastle have signed Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer from Bournemouth. Two goalkeepers have also arrived, with Odysseas Vlachodimos and John Ruddy joining Newcastle United.

Why Newcastle United signed John Ruddy

The latter two deals came as a surprise, as Eddie Howe beefs up his goalkeeping ranks following the departure of Loris Karius. There could also be another exit, with Martin Dubravka likely to leave Newcastle this summer.

Newcastle have covered their tracks if Dubravka does go, and now a new report has shared details on the reason why the Magpies moved to bring in veteran stopper John Ruddy on a free transfer.

According to the Athletic, Newcastle signed Ruddy to improve standards in training, whilst not creating a negative atmosphere due to not playing.

The Athletic add that the hope is that Ruddy will not actually play for the club, after signing a one-year deal to move to Tyneside.

Newcastle signing sums up Eddie Howe’s desire to have strong team spirit

It seems crazy to think you would sign a player with the hope that he never actually plays. But that is the life of a reserve goalkeeper, and Ruddy will understand his position at the club.

The 37-year-old is at Newcastle to play a role behind the scenes, which is clearly extremely important to Eddie Howe.

Howe praised Mark Gillespie for a similar role at Newcastle, lauding the backup stopper for his work in training. The Toon boss was so enthusiastic in his praise for Gillespie, and he will hope that Ruddy can make a similar contribution.

If Ruddy does end up playing, it will mean that Newcastle’s first choice stoppers are either injured or suspended. But the belief is that Nick Pope is fully fit after is shoulder operation, while it looks like Vlachodimos will be his understudy.

There could even be another goalkeeper arriving at St James’ Park, although talk of Newcastle signing a third keeper this summer is strange.