Newcastle new boy honest about struggles

Jacob Ramsey Faces Early Newcastle Test After £40m Move

The first months of a high-profile transfer often reveal as much about a player’s character as his talent. For Jacob Ramsey, the opening chapter of his Newcastle United career has been an exercise in patience. Signed for £40million from Aston Villa, Ramsey has started only five Premier League games, a return that underlines both Newcastle’s strength in midfield and the scale of his challenge.

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Ramsey’s arrival last summer came with expectation, but also with reality. Newcastle’s midfield axis of Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes has been the foundation of recent success, driving a Champions League qualification and a Carabao Cup triumph. Breaking into that trio was never likely to be straightforward.

Established Midfield Leaves Little Room

The numbers are stark. Despite Guimaraes missing time through injury, Ramsey has struggled to gain traction. Against his former club at St James’ Park, he was introduced from the bench and could not alter the course of a 2-0 defeat. No goals, no assists, and limited minutes have shaped the external narrative, but Ramsey’s own assessment is more grounded.

He admitted to Newcastle’s matchday programme:“When you sign for a new club for a decent amount of money, other fans and people on social media, their expectations might be higher. But I don’t really listen to the outside noise, I’m just trying to concentrate on my own performances.

“I know I can be a top player for this football club. I’ve got no doubt about that. I always knew that a new team would take some time to get used to, maybe a little bit longer than I wanted. But that’s just part of moving to a new club and a new city. You’ve got to get comfortable first.”

Ramsey Reflects on Newcastle Struggles

There is no sense of resentment in Ramsey’s words, only realism. He recognises the calibre of those ahead of him and the difficulty of shifting established hierarchies.

“I knew here I was coming to a huge football club with top midfield players, I knew it was going to be a difficult challenge to get into the midfield. But obviously every player thinks they can go straight into the team and play when the reality is the three players in the midfield have been top and it’ll be difficult to come in. I’ve always had that self belief when I do get the opportunity I’ll shine. That’s what I’ve been trying to do.”

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That belief remains central. Newcastle did not invest £40million for a squad player, but transitions take time, particularly at a club whose standards have risen sharply.

Central Role and Search for Numbers

Ramsey’s role has also shifted. At Villa he was predominantly used wide, whereas on Tyneside he has been deployed centrally. The 24-year-old sees this as a natural evolution.

“I’d like to think I can be a box-to-box midfielder and score goals and defend,” he said. “I feel like my overall play is getting there. I’m just missing the numbers. It’s been difficult, playing different positions and learning different roles, but I’m sure the goals and assists will come thick and fast when they start.

“At Villa I played on the wing. Here I’m playing more centrally which I feel is more natural to me. It’s getting back to those old basics and little reminders. I feel like the last few games I’m slowly starting to show signs. I just need to get those numbers up and stay in the team.

“It’s always the difficult part, trying to learn a new role but also trying to keep the standards and levels high. I think in the last couple of games I’ve shown that better than I did before. Hopefully, I can get my numbers up and keep playing well.”

For now, Ramsey’s Newcastle story is one of adaptation rather than impact. Whether patience is rewarded may define both his season and Newcastle’s evolving midfield balance.