Third most valuable of his year
©IMAGO
Newcastle United have secured the signing of goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen. The 20-year-old comes from French second division club Stade Reims and is reportedly becoming one of the most expensive keepers under the age of 23. According to the sports daily “L’Équipe”, a transfer fee of 28.5 million euros will be paid – including bonus payments. Jaouen costs the same as Jordan Pickford, who Everton signed from AFC Sunderland in the summer of 2017 as a 23-year-old. And at Stade Reims, only the departure of Hugo Ekitiké to Paris brought in such a high transfer fee in the club’s history (to the statistics of record departures).
The Frenchman Jaouen, who is the third most valuable goalkeeper born in 2005 with a market value of 12 million euros, will receive a long-term contract with the Magpies. Speaking about his advantages, Newcastle’s new signing said: “As a goalkeeper, I enjoy one-on-one situations and enjoy playing as a modern goalkeeper who builds play from the back and is comfortable with the ball at his feet. Now I want to develop here together with the great players and coaching staff, enjoy my football and prove my worth on the pitch.”
Coach Eddie Howe said: “He is a promising young goalkeeper who has shown great potential during his time in France. He has a composure and presence that doesn’t show his age and we are confident he can develop and improve in our environment.”
Sporting director Ross Wilson added: “We are delighted to welcome Ewen to Newcastle United. This is a transfer that we have been working hard on for several months and we are really pleased that we have been able to complete it.” The manager continued: “Ewen is an extremely talented young goalkeeper who has found admirers at many European clubs and he has an exciting future ahead of him. What stood out to us in all our conversations was his ambition, focus and determination to be here. We can’t wait to follow his development and we know our fans will give him a warm welcome.”