The transfer window is heating up across the North East, with both Newcastle United and Sunderland reportedly making decisive moves to sign new goalkeepers.
While their league positions and ambitions differ, both clubs are seeking to reinforce a vital position, promising a fascinating few weeks for fans of both Tyneside and Wearside.
Newcastle United eyes Aaron Ramsdale loan
On Tyneside, Newcastle United is reportedly pushing to bring England international Aaron Ramsdale to St. James' Park.
David Ornstein of The Athletic recently revealed that Newcastle are in active discussions with Ramsdale's camp and Southampton for a deal structured as a loan with an option to buy.
🚨 EXCL: Newcastle United reach agreement with Southampton to sign Aaron Ramsdale. Deal for 27yo England goalkeeper season-long loan + sizeable fee & option to buy. Permission from #SaintsFC to travel for medical + finalise transfer to #NUFC @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/wCt05FrBjr
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 29, 2025
Ramsdale, 27, who moved to Southampton from Arsenal last summer, has found himself in the Championship following the Saints' relegation.
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Despite this, he remains a highly-regarded Premier League calibre goalkeeper.
For Newcastle, the pursuit of Ramsdale comes amidst discussions around the long-term future and injury record of current first-choice Nick Pope.
While Pope is a formidable presence, the addition of Ramsdale would provide genuine competition and a robust long-term option, especially with Martin Dúbravka's future reportedly uncertain.
The loan-to-buy format offers Newcastle a financially shrewd way to assess the fit, given ongoing Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) considerations, while Ramsdale gains an immediate return to top-flight football and a chance to compete for England's 2026 World Cup squad.
Sunderland set to sign Robin Roefs
Meanwhile, down the A19, newly-promoted Sunderland are on the verge of confirming a major signing between the sticks.
Reports from David Ornstein state that the Black Cats have agreed a deal to sign highly-rated Dutch goalkeeper Robin Roefs from NEC Nijmegen.
🚨 EXCL: Sunderland reach agreement with NEC Nijmegen to sign Robin Roefs as new No1 goalkeeper. Deal for 22yo Netherlands U21 international €10.5m + €3m add-ons & sell-on to #NECNijmegen. Medical today before joining #SAFC on 5yr contract @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/3CTijE5ZO3
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 30, 2025
The 22-year-old Netherlands Under-21 international is reportedly set to undergo a medical today (Wednesday, July 30) before signing a five-year contract worth an initial £9 million, potentially rising to £11.5 million with add-ons.
Roefs had a breakthrough campaign with NEC last season, making 37 appearances and earning praise for his composure and reflexes.
His imminent arrival, making him Sunderland's seventh signing of a busy summer, signals the club's clear intent to invest in young, high-potential talent as they prepare for their Premier League return.
The dual goalkeeper pursuits highlight a common thread in the North East: both clubs are prioritising stability and quality in goal as they prepare for demanding campaigns.
For Newcastle, it's about depth and future-proofing; for Sunderland, it's a critical immediate solution to help in their battle for survival.
The coming days are set to be pivotal for both clubs' goalkeeping departments.
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