Jacob Ramsey’s injury history detailed ahead of Newcastle transfer
Newcastle United are on the verge of completing the signing Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa in a welcome breakthrough in the summer market.
The Magpies have endured a torrid summer so far, missing out on a host of key signings such as Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko and James Trafford.
They’ve also had to battle hard to keep hold of Alexander Isak, with their star striker’s future still anything but certain.
All of that has served to dampen spirits ahead of their return to the Champions League, but Newcastle finally have something to smile about in the form of Ramsey, who was previously linked with Everton this summer.
Jacob Ramsey’s injury history
Ramsey is closing in on a move to St. James’ Park worth around £40million, offering a major boost to Eddie Howe’s midfield options.
The 24-year-old Villa academy product has clear technical quality to add to the Magpies’ ranks, but there may be some concerns regarding his overall fitness record.
According to Transfermarkt, Ramsey – whose move is unlikely to be completed before Newcastle face his current employers Villa this weekend – has missed 50 matches for Villa and England’s youth sides since the start of the 2022/23 season.
15 of those matches were due to three different hamstring injuries, with various toe, muscle and foot problems also contributing.
Even so, that hasn’t stopped Ramsey from averaging 35 matches per season across all competitions during that time frame – while last campaign, he registered four goals and seven assists in 46 appearances.
Nevertheless, supporters may be a little worried, especially given the injury problems endured by fellow midfielder Joe Willock during his time with Newcastle so far.
Howe must keep focus on striker push
Football Insider verdict
Ramsey should prove to be a quality pick-up for Newcastle, especially considering he’s played 13 times in Uefa competition for Villa over the past couple of years – including 10 Champions League outings.
However, Newcastle still need much more.
Even if Isak stays, the departure of Callum Wilson leaves Howe with one recognised striker – aside from William Osula, who has disappointed in pre-season.
Should Isak go down injured, there is a big chance that someone like Anthony Gordon would have to fill in at the No.9 position.
Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has been a major target for the Magpies, but Al-Nassr look like seriously rivalling Newcastle for his signature.
That would once again leave Howe with a serious striking dilemma as the new Premier League season begins. One which he must solve, regardless of the outcome of the Isak saga.