Newcastle United are poised to sign Ewen Jaouen, the 20-year-old goalkeeper from Stade Reims, a move that appears to end the hopes of Noah Atubolu joining the Premier League club. According to Bild, Atubolu had strongly desired a transfer to Newcastle, viewing a move to England as a long-held ambition, but the Magpies have seemingly turned their attention to the French shot-stopper.
Jaouen has emerged as a promising talent in Ligue 1, though details regarding a transfer fee and contract length have not yet been disclosed by either club. Newcastle’s pursuit of a new goalkeeper comes as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of next season, with current number one Nick Pope recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in December. The injury necessitated a temporary solution, with Loris Karius stepping in, but the club are clearly seeking a longer-term option.
For Atubolu, the situation represents a significant setback. Bild reports that the 24-year-old has been informed he has no future at Freiburg, who have already secured Mio Backhaus from Werder Bremen as his replacement. Atubolu joined Freiburg’s academy in 2015 and rose through the ranks, becoming the first-choice goalkeeper last season, making 35 appearances across all competitions.
Despite establishing himself as Freiburg’s number one, the club’s decision to bring in Backhaus signals a clear intention to move in a different direction. This leaves Atubolu searching for a new club, with several European sides reportedly expressing interest. Bild names Real Sociedad, Atlético Madrid, AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Napoli as potential destinations for the German goalkeeper.
Atubolu’s availability could spark a bidding war amongst these clubs, all of whom may be in the market for a goalkeeper during the summer transfer window. His age and experience in the Bundesliga make him an attractive prospect, and a move to one of Europe’s top leagues could further enhance his reputation. The outcome of Newcastle’s decision could ultimately reshape the goalkeeping landscape for several clubs across Europe.
