Newcastle secure €28m deal for Chelsea and Madrid goalkeeper target

Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United - Premier League

Newcastle United have won the race to sign highly rated goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen after agreeing a €28.5 million package with Stade de Reims. The 20-year-old, who had attracted interest from Chelsea and Real Madrid, has reportedly signed a four-year deal and is set to join Eddie Howe's side this summer.

Newcastle win battle for highly rated French goalkeeper

Newcastle have reached an agreement with Stade de Reims to sign goalkeeper Jaouen in a deal worth €28.5 million, according to Canal+. The 20-year-old has reportedly signed a four-year contract and will complete a move to St James’ Park during the summer transfer window.

The transfer is a significant success for Newcastle’s recruitment department given the level of competition for the France youth international. Jaouen had previously visited Chelsea’s training facilities to discuss a potential move, while Real Madrid viewed him as a possible long-term successor to Thibaut Courtois.

Ewen Jaouen

Succession planning for Nick Pope

The move for Jaouen comes at a time when Newcastle are beginning to look toward the future of their goalkeeping department. Current first-choice shot-stopper Pope celebrated his 34th birthday in April, and while he remains a vital part of Eddie Howe’s plans, the club has been keen to bring in a younger alternative to develop under his tutelage.

The Tyneside club recently decided not to activate the permanent clause in Aaron Ramsdale's loan from Southampton, creating a squad void that Jaouen is expected to fill. By signing the former Guingamp player, Newcastle have secured a goalkeeper with extensive senior experience despite his young age.

Rising through the ranks in France

Jaouen's stock rose significantly during the 2024-25 campaign when he joined USL Dunkerque on loan. During his time in the north of France, he played a pivotal role in guiding the club to the semi-finals of the Coupe de France and was instrumental in their push for promotion from Ligue 2, which they narrowly missed out on.

Upon his return to parent club Reims, he was thrust into the starting lineup following the club's relegation from the top flight. While Reims ultimately failed to secure an immediate return to Ligue 1 this season, Jaouen’s individual performances as their established number one remained a highlight, further cementing his reputation as a future international.

Ewen Jaouen

A new challenge in the Premier League

Once the final details of the transfer are completed, Jaouen is expected to begin pre-season preparations with Newcastle ahead of his first campaign in England. The challenge for the young goalkeeper will be adapting to Premier League football while competing for opportunities in a squad that still relies on the experience of Pope. Newcastle, meanwhile, will hope their latest investment develops into a long-term solution between the posts.