Transfer Centre

"An opportunity I couldn't turn down" - Newcastle confirm second goalkeeper signing

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 01 July 2024

Dubravka replacement? Newcastle announce goalkeeper signing from Birmingham

Newcastle United announce the signing of an experienced goalkeeper from Birmingham City amid uncertainty over the future of Martin Dubravka.

Newcastle United have announced the signing of experienced goalkeeper John Ruddy from Birmingham City.

The 37-year-old has put pen to paper a one-year deal at St James' Park and will link up with the Magpies in preparation for the 2024-25 Premier League campaign.

Ruddy, who previously spent time in the English top flight with Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, departs Birmingham following the club's relegation to League One last season.

The shot-stopper spent two years at St Andrews and made a total of 89 appearances, keeping 11 clean sheets in 44 Championship games in 2023-24.

Ruddy becomes Newcastle's second goalkeeper signing in a matter of hours following the arrival of Odysseas Vlachodimos from Nottingham Forest, as well as the club's fourth new addition after Lloyd Kelly and Lewis Hall.

Speaking to Newcastle's official website after completing his move, Ruddy said: "This is a massive club and it's a massive opportunity, so I'm really excited to get started.

🗣️ "It's a huge, huge club which is only going one way and to be a part of that, however big or small, is going to be very pleasing and very exciting."

Glad to have you on board, John! 👊 pic.twitter.com/tGVsqfkg8m
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 1, 2024

Ruddy "excited" to join "huge club" Newcastle

"It was an opportunity I couldn't turn down. It's a huge, huge club which is only going one way and to be a part of that, however big or small, is going to be very pleasing and very exciting.

Manager Eddie Howe added: "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."

Dubravka heading for Newcastle exit door?

Newcastle are now well stocked in the goalkeeping department, with Ruddy and Vlachodimos joining a club with both Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka and Mark Gillespie already on the books.

While Vlachodimos is set to provide competition for current number one Pope, Ruddy is expected to provide backup for both shot-stoppers along with 32-year-old Gillespie.

Dubravka, meanwhile, is expected to depart in search of regular first-team football; the 35-year-old played 30 times for Newcastle last season, but the majority of those appearances were due to the absence of injured first choice Pope.

The Slovakia international has just a year left on his Magpies contract and has recently been linked with a potential switch to Scottish giants Celtic, who are on the lookout for a new goalkeeper following the retirement of Joe Hart.