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Why Aaron Ramsdale rejected Sunderland and what Newcastle have now told Nick Pope after £4m loan deal

Lucas Arnold

Sun 3 August 2025 12:45, UK

Before joining Newcastle United on loan from Southampton, Aaron Ramsdale had the option to pursue a move to Sunderland among other Premier League sides.

Ever since David Raya arrived at Arsenal in 2023, Aaron Ramsdale has struggled to replicate the form that previously won him a spot in the PFA Team of the Year.

Ramsdale made a permanent move to Southampton last summer, but despite his efforts he was unable to help the side avoid relegation.

Therefore, Ramsdale is now embarking on a new challenge with Newcastle, where he won’t fear another drop down to the Championship.

The England international has initially joined Newcastle on loan for the season, a deal which also includes a buy option.

Aaron Ramsdale rejected Sunderland before agreeing to join Newcastle

That being said, journalist has now provided further insight into that move, including the reason why Ramsdale rejected Sunderland.

When choosing Newcastle, it was in Ramsdale’s mind that he wanted to avoid adding another relegation to his CV, Nixon explained.

READ MORE: How Man United view their chances of signing Benjamin Sesko after Newcastle’s bid is rejected

Therefore, Ramsdale’s camp refused to entertain interest from Leeds United, Burnley or Sunderland, who were all keen on a deal.

Ramsdale simply didn’t want to join a newly-promoted club.

The England goalkeeper’s name is often now synonymous with relegation given he went down with all of Bournemouth, Sheffield United and of course Southampton previously.

And despite earning five caps for England, it seems as if the 27-year-old needs to prove himself at the top level all over again.

TBR Football revealed earlier in the summer that Sunderland wanted to sign Ramsdale, who have now instead opted for Robin Roefs from NEC Nijmegen in the Eredivisie.

But Ramsdale will surely be content with his new opportunity at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe sends clear message to Nick Pope after Aaron Ramsdale arrival

Interestingly, Nixon also shared how Eddie Howe intends to manage his goalkeeping situation at the start of next season.

Amid speculation over his future this summer, Nick Pope made it clear that he wants to stay at Newcastle.

And perhaps in respect of that decision, Howe will give Pope the opportunity to retain his number one spot this season.

Pope will start the new Premier League campaign as first choice owing to Howe’s loyalty towards the former Burnley goalkeeper.

As a result, Ramsdale will have to wait patiently for his opportunity on Tyneside, and he’ll be hoping that he fares better than his battle with David Raya at Arsenal.

Raya prevailed as Arteta’s first-choice after his arrival at Brentford, and perhaps Howe does actually intend to replace Pope with Ramsdale as soon as the opportunity to do so presents.