Aston Villa’s loss is Newcastle’s gain.
Following three quiet windows, Newcastle have been able to reinforce their squad after substantial deficits dropped out of the club’s three-year PSR cycle, which takes the financial years ending 2024, 2025 and 2026 into account.
Newcastle have seen several targets move elsewhere, and the Alexander Isak saga continues to hang over the club, but the black-and-whites have brought in Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw, Aaron Ramsdale and, now, Ramsey, who is a player Howe “loved” from afar.
Ramsey certainly looks like a Howe player and the versatile midfielder was even ranked second for possessions won (15) in the final third for Aston Villa in the top-flight last season.
Newcastle may be well-stocked in the middle of the park, but the 24-year-old’s athleticism, ball-carrying ability and experience in the Premier League and Champions League will be invaluable as the club prepare to fight on four fronts.
There are clear areas for improvement, too.
Ramsey registered just six goal involvements in the top-flight last season, but Callum Rowe recalled how his friend “always had an eye for scoring” after the pair came through the ranks together at Aston Villa.
“He has the natural ability for arriving in the box from midfield and scoring goals, which, in my opinion, is something you can’t teach,” he said.
A chance to work on these aspects of his game under Howe was certainly a big draw for Ramsey.
Anthony Gordon, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento have all become senior England internationals following an extended period with the Newcastle head coach and his staff.
And Ramsey, who previously won the European Championships with England Under-21s, hopes to one day follow suit.
It does not feel unrealistic if Ramsey can continue to keep himself fit following an injury-disrupted 2023-24.
Smith, for one, has no doubt that there is “more to come” from the midfielder, who is “very coachable”.
“Eddie is really good with the players so Jacob will settle in with him really well,” the former Aston Villa manager said. “He could thrive under him and I can see why Eddie has gone for him. He’s his type of player. He fits in with the work ethic. He’s got the skillset.
“With my Villa head on, I’d rather see him at Villa still, but he’s going to a Champions League team and a big, well-supported club so I wish him well. He will handle it.”
