Newcastle United has struck a £40 million agreement for Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey, according to reliable sources. Aston Villa, while reluctant to let go of their academy graduate, is taking this step to adhere to UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations. These regulations can feel as challenging for clubs as trying to parallel park a bus blindfolded.
Ramsey’s Move to the North East
The 24-year-old midfielder is eager to make the move to the north east this month, having previously turned down interest from West Ham earlier in the summer. Ramsey is set to sign a five-year contract with the Magpies, having also attracted attention from Tottenham Hotspur.
Additional Transfer Targets for Newcastle
Newcastle is not stopping at Ramsey. The club is also expected to finalize a deal for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa before the transfer window closes. After missing out on targets like Benjamin Sesko and Joao Pedro, Newcastle is reportedly willing to meet Brentford’s asking price of around £40 million for Wissa, following two rejected bids from Eddie Howe’s side.
Villa Legend’s Perspective
Villa legend Gabby Agbonlahor voiced his disappointment regarding Ramsey’s potential departure. He stated, “What can you do as a club when the talks are that they’ve offered three contracts, and he’s turned them down? His contract expires in June 2027. That’s two years left. If you don’t sell now and this carries on into January with 18 months left, what sort of offer are you going to get?”
Agbonlahor added, “So Aston Villa are probably looking at it and saying, listen, if he’s not going to sign a new contract on the terms that we have given him, then we need to sell now and make some money. Some fans have been tweeting me and saying, Gabby, it’s a good deal. He only scored one Premier League goal last season. I don’t look at him as a natural goal scorer, but I think he will be missed. One of our own, a local lad.”
Ramsey’s Journey at Aston Villa
Ramsey joined Villa’s academy at the age of six and eventually made his way into the first team. However, his chances for regular playing time have decreased in recent seasons. Despite making 29 Premier League appearances last season, he completed the full 90 minutes on only two occasions.
Newcastle’s Summer Signings
If Ramsey’s transfer to Tyneside is finalized, he will become Newcastle’s third summer signing, following the arrival of German defender Malick Thiaw and earlier additions Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale.
Newcastle’s qualification for the Champions League after finishing fifth last season has certainly enhanced their appeal in the transfer market. The two clubs will soon face off, with Villa hosting Newcastle in their opening match of the new Premier League season on Saturday. This encounter could lead to one of the most awkward pre-match handshakes, reminiscent of the time my nan mistook the local vicar for a door-to-door salesman.