Newcastle United’s squad was significantly improved during the summer transfer window, with six senior players joining the club.
It feels like a much-improved side compared to two seasons ago, when the Magpies struggled to field a fully fit starting XI during a busy season, which included a return to the Champions League.
Even after the departures of several players, including selling Alexander Isak for a British record fee, Newcastle United have made the right additions to help them in a campaign which includes 48 games as a minimum.
Newcastle signed the likes of Yoane Wissa, Malick Thiaw and broke the transfer record when they brought in Nick Woltemade for £69m. Wissa is yet to make his debut for Newcastle after suffering an injury on international duty, but he is expected to be back after the international break in October.
Another player to join the club was Aaron Ramsdale, who arrived on loan from Southampton in late July. The 27-year-old is yet to play competitively, but club insiders have high hopes for when his first start arrives.
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Newcastle United are confident that Aaron Ramsdale can step up for Nick Pope
Ramsdale impressed in a friendly against Espanyol in August, saving a penalty in his first appearance for the club. The Magpies have the option to make Ramsdale’s deal permanent at the end of next season, but it remains to be seen whether the England international stays on.
Having worked with Eddie Howe at Bournemouth, Ramsdale was easily sold on playing for Newcastle, revealing that the 47-year-old is someone who can give instructions that help him.
Ramsdale is patient to wait for his opportunity at Newcastle, but according to a new report from The Athletic, the club are very optimistic that he can hit the ground running if he ever needs to come in and replace Nick Pope in the starting XI.
The report adds that a key reason why Newcastle wanted an upgrade on Martin Dubravka, who joined Burnley in the summer, was because of Pope’s injury record in recent seasons. Pope has spent spells on the sidelines over the last two campaigns, with Dubravka taking the reins in his absence.
Ramsdale could be signed permanently if he performs well and if there is a better option in the transfer market next summer.
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Aaron Ramsdale set to make his Newcastle United debut against Bradford City
After a draw against Bournemouth on Sunday, Newcastle begin their defence of the Carabao Cup when they welcome Bradford City to St James’ Park on Wednesday evening.
Howe has hinted that he will rotate his Newcastle squad against Bradford, allowing several fringe players the opportunity to get some minutes into their legs.
While Pope has enjoyed a great start to the season, the Bradford game is a great opportunity for Ramsdale to get himself into the starting XI and show Howe why he brought him to the club.
Ramsdale has a point to prove at Newcastle. The recent years of his career have been far from kind for him, having lost his place in the starting XI at Arsenal before suffering relegation at Southampton. Howe has given the 27-year-old a lifeline in his career, so it is down to him to prove him wrong.
Newcastle should be pleased they have such a quality player like Ramsdale on the bench to bring in where required. It is a sign of how far the club have come both under Howe and since the takeover in 2021.
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