Newcastle United are signing a very versatile player in Jacob Ramsey, as the Magpies close in on a £40million deal.
There is excitement on Tyneside, as Newcastle United close in on another signing after Malick Thiaw’s arrival.
Newcastle are close to signing Jacob Ramsey, with the 24-year-old set to cost around £40million from Aston Villa.
It should prove to be a good bit of business, with Eddie Howe a huge fan of Ramsey.
The Newcastle United manager will have grand visions of how the midfielder can help his side, and Geordie Boot Boys have explored three ways that Ramsey can be utilised.
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Jacob Ramsey can join Newcastle United’s midfield three
The most obvious role at St James’ Park for Ramsey is as part of Howe’s famous midfield three.
During the majority of his tenure at Newcastle United, Howe has utilised a midfield three. That feels unlikely to change this season.
If Ramsey were to come into the starting XI as a central midfielder, it would likely be to replace Joelinton. That is the only position that is up for grabs, as Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali are undroppable.
The same could be argued for Joelinton, but there will be games this season when the Magpies could benefit from having someone with more guile in possession. Ramsey can offer that.
Eddie Howe can use Jacob Ramsey in a new formation
Alternatively, bringing in Ramsey gives Howe the chance to tweak his system. It could allow him to switch from 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1 and use an attacking midfielder.
Ramsey is capable of slotting in behind the striker, whether that is Alexander Isak, Yoane Wissa or someone else.
For this to be successful, Newcastle would need Ramsey to start chipping in with more goals and assists. During his Aston Villa career, he provided 17 goals and 19 assists in 167 first-team appearances.
Jacob Ramsey can help ease the Alexander Isak situation
The third option would see Ramsey play on the wing, which is something he has done regularly for Aston Villa. He was often seen on the left of attack at Villa Park, and it is something that Howe could replicate at St James’ Park.
Ramsey’s ability to play on the left could be particularly useful at the start of the 2025/26 season, at a time when Anthony Gordon could be asked to play as a central striker due to Isak refusing to play.
That would mean Harvey Barnes starting on the left, with Ramsey there as a backup option.
Signing Ramsey will give Newcastle United great flexibility, which explains why Howe is so keen to add him to his squad.
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