Opinion: Aaron Ramsdale is suddenly under pressure as Newcastle United make transfer decision

Written on Tuesday, 02 December 2025
James Rutherford

Aaron Ramsdale has finally got an opportunity at Newcastle United, but a new report suggests he could already be under pressure.

The 27-year-old has had to wait patiently for a proper chance in the starting XI, but Nick Pope’s injury has given him exactly that.

Aaron Ramsdale started Newcastle United’s win over Everton on Saturday, and he is expected to remain in the side for the next few weeks. It is a chance for him to prove he should be the Magpies’ long-term number one, having watched on from the bench as pressure mounted on Pope amid a string of mistakes.

Now the pressure is on Ramsdale, but not because of anything he has done on the pitch.

That’s Ramsdale starting tonight then, happy with that Toon fans?

Keith Downie confirms Nick Pope is set for a spell on the sidelines:

👇Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say

Newcastle United to revisit James Trafford interest in January

Had things gone according to plan for Newcastle United, James Trafford would be a Toon player right now.

Newcastle nearly signed Trafford in the summer, only for him to join Manchester City at the last second. Trafford turned down Newcastle in favour of a return to the Etihad Stadium, and it has proven to be a mistake.

He has already been replaced as Man City’s first choice stopper by Gianluigi Donnarumma, and is now reportedly considering his future.

Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images

According to the Daily Mail, Trafford is ready to leave Manchester City when the January transfer window opens.

The report adds that Newcastle United will reignite their interest in the £27million man, having thought they were going to sign him in the summer.

They could now have a fresh chance to bring Trafford to Tyneside, with the Daily Mail’s report suggesting that the Magpies have not been put off by him turning them down just a few months ago.

Pretend you’re Eddie Howe. Which position are you begging PIF to strengthen in January?

Is there one particular area that you really feel PIF should spend on?

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe looks on against West Ham.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
👇Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say

Aaron Ramsdale must seize Newcastle United opportunity

Newcastle’s rumoured interest in Trafford puts a fresh spotlight on the opportunity Ramsdale suddenly has at St James’ Park.

Not only is he trying to prove to Eddie Howe that he should start ahead of Pope for the rest of the season, but he is also trying to prove he should be signed permanently ahead of Trafford.

Newcastle have the option to sign Ramsdale permanently from Southampton, but that is not to say that they will. It has already been reported that Newcastle are looking at alternatives, with Guillaume Restes named as a player who has been scouted by Toon officials.

But it is likely Trafford who will be Newcastle’s first choice, and it is up to Ramsdale to prove that they should not take this fresh chance to complete the deal they failed to do in the summer.

Sign up to TalkingPoints for free to join the conversation about all things Newcastle United with Geordie Boot Boys!