Their new Gordon: Big-money star "wants to join" Newcastle before Saturday

Newcastle United have made a habit of spotting Premier League talent before it reaches its full peak, and they may be about to do it again.

Two years ago, they moved decisively for a 21-year-old winger who, while already a Premier League regular, had yet to hit his top level.

His arrival was met with scepticism, but now he is one of their most valuable assets and an England international.

That player was Anthony Gordon, signed from Everton for around £45m in January 2023.

The deal was framed as an investment in a player whose best football was ahead of him.

Newcastle’s patience has been rewarded.

Gordon’s pace, directness, and work rate have been crucial in Eddie Howe’s high-tempo system, and his trajectory has vindicated the club’s willingness to back promise over proven elite output.

Fast-forward to this summer, and the club appear poised to repeat the formula.

Another move is in the works for another young, attack-minded Premier League player. One who has endured an injury-disrupted couple of years but retains a reputation as a difference-maker when fit.

Newcastle set to sign a new midfield spark

According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are set to complete the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey, with a full agreement for around £40m close.

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Toon reporter Craig Hope revealed on Wednesday morning that Ramsey “wants to join” and there is confidence he will be a Newcastle player “before the weekend”.

The 24-year-old, described by journalist Charles Watts as “special,” looks set to bolster a midfield currently light on numbers.

Howe admitted to the Evening Chronicle that he was concerned about the depth in midfield after Sean Longstaff’s sale to Leeds United and Joe Willock’s injury in pre-season against the K-League XI.

“We want six – and now we are down to four,” he said.

The lack of cover has been so noticeable that Harrison Ashby, traditionally a right-back, was deployed in midfield during the Sela Cup match against Atlético Madrid.

Ramsey would offer a blend of forward thrust, ball-carrying, and defensive industry, making him a natural fit for Howe’s style.

The timing is intriguing too. Newcastle’s opening fixture of the new season is away at Villa Park, the ground where they suffered a bruising 4-1 defeat last season.

Shades of Gordon in the numbers

Injuries have undoubtedly slowed Ramsey’s progress.

He missed 36 games during the 2023/24 season through various setbacks, followed by ten more in 2024/25.

Still, when available, he has shown he can influence matches at the highest level.

His Premier League debut came as a 19-year-old in September 2020 in a 3-0 win over Fulham, and he netted his first league goal just over a year later against Arsenal.

The parallels between Gordon’s rise at Newcastle and Ramsey’s potential are clear, particularly when looking at each player’s best season at their respective clubs – Gordon’s 2023/24 at Newcastle and Ramsey’s 2022/23 at Villa.

According to FBref, Gordon leads in some attacking metrics, reflecting his role as a wide forward: he averaged 4.30 progressive carries per 90 compared to Ramsey’s 3.12, and produced 4.45 shot-creating actions per 90 to Ramsey’s 2.76.

His touches in the attacking third were also higher (22.8 per 90 to Ramsey’s 14.4), underlining his advanced positioning.

Yet Ramsey edges Gordon in other areas. He attempts slightly more progressive passes (3.35 to Gordon’s 3.15) and has a higher pass completion rate (81.9% to Gordon’s 76.1%).

His defensive contributions are also more prominent – 2.35 tackles and 1.64 blocks per 90, compared to Gordon’s 1.71 tackles and 0.84 blocks.

These figures point to a player who can both break up play and transition his team into attack efficiently.

There’s also the market reality. Gordon’s current value sits at £56m via Transfermarkt after his growth under Howe; Ramsey’s is £28m

Should Ramsey adapt quickly, Newcastle could again find themselves with a player whose price doubles within a couple of seasons.

Gordon himself has spoken recently about feeling “refreshed” and having “got [his] appetite back for football” – words that could just as easily be Ramsey’s in a year’s time if things go to plan.

Gordon thrived when placed into a high-intensity, attacking side with clear tactical demands. Ramsey could benefit from the same clarity after two injury-hit campaigns in the Midlands.

The first test of Ramsey’s potential impact could come almost immediately.

Facing his former club on the opening weekend, in front of a raucous Villa Park crowd, would be a trial by fire, but also an opportunity to show exactly why Newcastle have spent big to secure his signature.

Much like Gordon before him, Ramsey arrives with a mixture of promise and unanswered questions.

Can he stay fit? Can he adapt to a slightly different role? And can he take the leap from a talented Premier League player to one capable of shaping Newcastle’s biggest matches?

If history is any guide, Howe and Newcastle’s recruitment team will back themselves to get it right.

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