Newcastle exploring summer reunion with free agents explored to replace John Ruddy

Big signings will arrive this summer, but first we could see the return of one former Mag to support Newcastle's plans for the 2025/26 season.

As we reported last weekend, veteran goalkeepers Fraser Forster and Tim Krul are now under consideration as the club plan to boost their homegrown player quota ahead of our return to the Champions League.

UEFA rules state that Newcastle must have a minimum of four players who were registered with the club for a minimum of three years between the ages of 15 and 21.

With Sean Longstaff likely to depart this summer as he enters the final year of his contract and ex-Academy star Elliot Anderson departing in a PSR-driven sale last June, the club are exploring goalkeeper options who can offer that homegrown status to replace veteran stopper John Ruddy.

Ruddy, 38, arrived on a free last summer after leaving Birmingham City, signing a one-year deal at the club. His experience and leadership has been valued behind the scenes, but he could depart when his contract expires at the end of the month.

Fraser Forster, 37, is currently a free agent after being released by Tottenham Hotspur and played 13 times in all competitions over the 2024/25 campaign. The 6ft 7' giant left Newcastle for Celtic in 2012 after starting in our Under-18s way back in 2007.

37-year-old Dutchman Tim Krul has just been let go by Luton following their relegation from the Championship and would also be available on a free.

Former prospect Freddie Woodman is another option and he too would come without a transfer fee and with homegrown status after departing Preston. However, the 28-year-old is unlikely to arrive in a third or fourth-choice role, with first-team football more of a priority at his age.

Movement at the top of our goalkeeper department is expected this summer, with Burnley's James Trafford the top target, Nick Pope attracting interest from Leeds and loan moves being explored for Odysseas Vlachodimos.