Ewen Jaouen vs Nick Pope: How new Newcastle stopper matches up statistically

Ewen Jaouen has officially joined Newcastle United on a long-term contract after a deal was agreed with Ligue 2 club Stade de Reims.

Jaouen, 20, was described as "highly-sought after" by the Magpies as his arrival was confirmed in a statement on Wednesday.

Despite his age, the Frenchman is expected to replace Nick Pope in between the sticks for Eddie Howe amid the 34-year-old's uncertain future.

Pope has just one year remaining on his contract and could well see out the final year of his deal on the bench, if another solution is not found.

Newcastle have also confirmed that they have opted against triggered the option to buy in Aaron Ramsdale's loan deal, with the 28-year-old having returned to Southampton.

Jaouen's arrival has almost certainly ruled out a potential move for James Trafford this summer, with the Magpies' long-term interest seemingly having come to an end.

How does Ewen Jaouen compare to Nick Pope?

Both Pope and Jaouen stand at a massive 6ft6in tall, allowing them to come for crosses and corners with confidence.

That being said, the vastly more experienced 34-year-old has more success with the ball in the air, making 35 high claims to Jaouen's 15 last season.

It is important to explain the context behind the data before looking further into the stats, however.

Pope, in the Premier League, played at a far higher level than the Frenchman, who was in Ligue 2, this season. Reims and Newcastle performed differently, too.

The Magpies' poor season led to more shots conceded, and subsequently more goals conceded for Pope.

The England international faced 4.73 shots to Jaouen's 3.12 per 90, and conceded 1.41 to the Frenchman's 1.03, despite having a better save percentage (70 per cent to 67 per cent).

But that is where the positives end for Pope. The Newcastle stopper conceded three more goals despite conceding over five more expected goals, and made one more error than Jaouen.

The 20-year-old managed to save one of the four penalties he faced, too, something his senior could not do in two attempts.

Why Newcastle may want to keep Pope at St James' Park

It is unclear whether Pope is willing to see out the remainder of his contract, but Newcastle will certainly hope he does.

Right now, the 34-year-old represents a perfect mentor for his new young teammate, and a great option to have if things are not going right.

Pope's sights may well be on the final years of his career, however, which he will expect to be spent on the pitch.

An offer will have to arrive if that is to happen, however, and the summer does not promise anything.