Credit: Imago / Manh Tung - Breaking Media
Credit: Imago / Manh Tung - Breaking Media
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Aaron Ramsdale's permanent switch in doubt as Newcastle United lead race for Gregor Kobel

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Aaron Ramsdale is currently fighting for a permanent move back to the Premier League during his time at Newcastle United.

It is understandable if some supporters had forgotten that he's simply at St James' Park on a season-long loan, having replaced Nick Pope as Eddie Howe's No.1 shot-stopper.

The 27-year-old has experienced a strong run of games in recent weeks, including a clean sheet against Chelsea, which may have persuaded some that the goalkeeper requires a new contract come the summer.

Newcastle's transfer chiefs are likely to be very busy once the 2025-26 campaign ends, and with Nick Pope also expected to leave, plans are already being put in place for a replacement.

Newcastle United move ahead in race for Gregor Kobel

While Man City's James Trafford has been strongly linked with the Magpies, Football Insider understands that Newcastle are ahead in the race for Gregor Kobel of Borussia Dortmund.

Chelsea are also interested, but a move to the North East appears far more likely right now.

Multiple shot-stoppers are being linked to Howe's team ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, which makes total sense, given what the owners are trying to build and achieve.

Aaron RamsdaleStatsGregor Kobel
823Minutes played2520
1Clean sheets13
62%Save percentage72%
0Errors leading to goal0
66%Accurate passes71%
6.82FotMob rating7.18

Trafford and Kobel are both huge names, players who could bring an end, not just to Pope's time at St James' Park, but also end any hope of Ramsdale earning a permanent move this summer.

What does the future hold for Aaron Ramsdale?

Football Insider understands that Howe has yet to decide on Ramsdale's future, despite playing him in both the Premier League and Champions League, but the goalkeeper position is a priority.

The 27-year-old may still have seven league fixtures left to make the manager's mind up for him, and if his recent displays are anything to go by, it is all to play for.

Also being appreciated by Thomas Tuchel at international level, it would be a tough decision not to seal a deal for an England player, but it does appear that a return to Southampton is more plausible.

Both Kobel and Trafford boast better campaigns than the Newcastle loanee, and that will play a key role in the Magpies' decision-making this summer.

Newcastle United
Aaron Ramsdale
Gregor Kobel
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