Newcastle near £40m deal to sign Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa

Newcastle United are on the cusp of completing a deal for Jacob Ramsey, with a reported 40 million transfer agreement in place to take the 24-year-old from Aston Villa. The agreement, described as close to finalised, would make Ramsey the Magpies’ second summer signing after Anthony Elanga and would address a growing need to strengthen attacking options in midfield as Eddie Howe reshapes his squad for a Champions League campaign.

The move comes amid broader financial and squad considerations at Villa Park. Aston Villa are reportedly balancing the books under profitability and sustainability rules, with transfer income viewed as necessary to bolster their budget and cover financial pressures. Ramsey, a product of Villa’s academy who has made 167 appearances in all competitions, including 17 goals and 17 assists, has not always been a regular starter, in part due to injury setbacks. Some supporters fear the loss of a homegrown talent, yet others recognise that selling Ramsey could free funds for Unai Emery to pursue a strategic rebuild.

For Newcastle, Ramsey represents a versatile midfielder capable of operating across central and wide areas, matching the manager’s preference for...