Newcastle Secures First Summer Signing: 6ft 6in Goalkeeper Joins from Reims for £18.5m!

NEWCASTLE have made Ewen Jaouen their first summer signing for an initial £18.5million from Reims.

The 6ft 6in French U21 goalkeeper passed a medical on Tyneside yesterday before penning a four-year contract.

French goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen has penned a four-year contract at Newcastle Credit: Getty Eddie Howe’s summer rebuild has begun wit the capture of the 6ft 6in stopper Credit: PA

will pay £18.5m to the Ligue 2 outfit for the 20-year-old, but the incentivised package could rise to £24m if a number of clauses are met before 2030.

Jaouen said: “I’m really excited to become a Newcastle United player.

“When I visited the training ground, I could see how passionate everyone is about the club and the work they do, and I loved the environment straight away. I also had the chance to see the stadium and it’s huge.

“I’ve heard so much about the supporters and how they are the best in the country. The passion of the entire city and the atmosphere at St James’ Park are famous throughout football, and I can’t wait to experience that for myself and become a true Geordie.

“As a goalkeeper, I enjoy one-on-one situations and playing as a modern keeper, building from the back and being comfortable with the ball at my feet. Now I want to develop alongside the amazing players and staff here, enjoy my football, and prove my value on the pitch.”

Boss made the addition of at least one goalkeeper a top priority as part of his summer rebuild.

’s loan move from Southampton a £20m permanent arrangement.

Meanwhile, backup keepers John Ruddy and Max Thompson were both let go as part of a shake-up in the department.

Long-term No1 and Ipswich.

And while Jaouen’s arrival is one for the future, the youngster will get a chance to stake his claim once pre-season gets underway next month.

Howe said: “Ewen is a great addition and I am delighted to welcome him to Newcastle United.

“He is an exciting young goalkeeper who has shown real promise during his time in France. He has a calmness and presence that belies his age, and he’s someone we feel can grow and improve within our environment.”

Sun Sport also understands that Newcastle are also still considering signing another experienced goalkeeper.

Newcastle declined the chance to sign Aaron Ramsdale on a permanent basis Credit: Alamy Manchester City’s James Trafford remains a target for Eddie Howe Credit: Getty

Manchester City’s James Trafford has been a long-term target for Howe.

The Mags are also keen on Brighton’s Dutch ace Bart Verbruggen.

Jaouen began his career with Guingamp before joining Reims, who play in the French second tier, three years ago.

After loan spells at Rodez and Dunkerque, he broke into the senior side last season and made 60 appearances in total for the club.

Veteran goalie John Ruddy left Newcastle on a free transfer after his contract expired Credit: Getty Nick Pope is wanted by both Leeds United and Ipswich Credit: Alamy

The giant goalie has also represented France at every age-group level from U17s to U21s.

Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson added: “We are delighted to welcome Ewen to Newcastle United. This is a signing we have been working hard on for a number of months, and we are really pleased to get it over the line.

“Ewen is a hugely talented young goalkeeper who has gained a lot of admirers across European clubs, and he has a n exciting future ahead of him.

“What stood out for us, in all of our discussions, was his ambition, his focus and his determination to be here. We can’t wait to watch him develop and we know our supporters will give him a warm welcome.”