After a whirlwind 48 hours over the weekend, Newcastle United have kicked of Monday with THREE new signings.
Odysseas Vlachodimos was confirmed in the early hours shortly after the PSR deadline, with the Greek international arriving from Nottingham Forest on a permanent deal, then we’ve seen the club announce that Lewis Hall’s £28m move has now gone through following his loan spell last season.
That is not all, however, as the club have revealed in the last few moments that 37-year-old goalkeeper John Ruddy has signed a one-year contract at St James’ Park, arriving on a free transfer after he opted to leave Birmingham City at the end of the 2023/24 season.
That takes our summer signings up to four, with two goalkeepers and Hall – who’s signed a long-term deal – following Lloyd Kelly’s free transfer from Bournemouth last month.
Eddie Howe on John Ruddy – “I’m pleased to welcome John to Newcastle United. He has a huge amount of experience and adds a level of support and competition that we need.
“As well as his abilities on the pitch, he has a strong mentality and he is a leader, which will only benefit the group. I’m looking forward to him joining us as we prepare for the season ahead.”
Eddie Howe on Lewis Hall – “Lewis was a very good addition to our squad last season and we have been delighted with his progress and his contribution to the team.
“I’m very pleased to continue working with him. As well as being a talented player, he has a great attitude towards the game and to his own development and I’m excited for this next part of his journey in a Newcastle United shirt.”
Eddie Howe on Vlachodimos: “Odysseas is very experienced at elite European and international level and he joins a strong group of senior goalkeepers.
“That strength in depth is valuable and means we go into the new season with strong competition in a key area.”
