Newcastle United have taken a significant step in bolstering their squad for the 2025-26 Premier League season by agreeing a £40 million fee with Aston Villa for midfielder Jacob Ramsey, according to multiple sources including transfer expert Fabrizio Romano and The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath.
The deal, described as “imminent,” marks a major coup for the Magpies as they continue to build a competitive side under manager Eddie Howe.
Newcastle have agreed fee with Aston Villa for Jacob Ramsey, package £40m. The 24yo still has to speak to #NUFC and agree personal terms before undergoing medical
— Mike McGrath (@mcgrathmike) August 13, 2025
⚫️⚪️🏴 #AVFC @TeleFootball
A Versatile Talent for Newcastle
Jacob Ramsey, a 24-year-old product of Aston Villa’s academy, has long been admired by Howe and his coaching staff. Known for his versatility, Ramsey can operate across midfield and on either wing, bringing pace, ball-carrying ability, and dynamism to Newcastle’s engine room. Last season, Ramsey made 45 appearances for Villa across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing seven assists, despite starting only eight Premier League matches due to injury setbacks.
The England youth international’s ability to bridge defense and attack makes him a valuable addition to a Newcastle squad already boasting midfield talents like Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton. Former Villa manager Steven Gerrard once hailed Ramsey as a player who “will be a terrific player,” and his potential for growth at just 24 years old aligns with Newcastle’s ambition to challenge for Champions League spots.
Transfer Details and Context
The £40 million package, which is almost finalized, will see Ramsey become one of Newcastle’s most expensive signings, matching the fee paid for Joelinton in 2019. The deal follows Newcastle’s recent acquisition of defender Malick Thiaw from AC Milan, signaling an aggressive end to their summer transfer window. Reports indicate that Ramsey has prioritized a move to St. James’ Park, turning down interest from West Ham United and Nottingham Forest to join the Magpies’ project.
For Aston Villa, the sale represents pure profit under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), as Ramsey is an academy graduate. The transfer will also save Villa over £7 million in wages, with Ramsey’s contract—worth £70,000 per week—set to expire in June 2027. This financial boost will provide Villa with greater flexibility to pursue their own targets before the transfer window closes, with a replacement midfielder and a centre-back reportedly on their radar.
What This Means for Newcastle
Newcastle’s pursuit of Ramsey addresses a need for midfield reinforcement, particularly after the departure of Sean Longstaff to Leeds United. While Ramsey’s energy and pressing align with Howe’s tactical philosophy, some analysts, such as SportsView, have noted that his signing may not fully address Newcastle’s need for a creative playmaker to unlock compact defenses. Nevertheless, Ramsey’s versatility and ability to play as a left-sided midfielder or winger will provide valuable depth and allow players like Anthony Gordon to be rested when needed.
The Magpies are also reportedly targeting a striker to replace Callum Wilson, with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa a potential target.
