Newcastle United officially announce £39 million signing of Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa

It was hardly a secret that Jacob Ramsey had joined Newcastle United after the player was pictured at St James' Park wearing a Newcastle shirt on Friday.

Newcastle confirmed at 5 pm on Sunday that Jacob Ramsey is now a Newcastle United player.

The Magpies paid £39 million with a further £4 million in add-ons, according to Sky Sports' Keith Downi. Ramsey replaces Sean Longstaff in the squad, who joined Leeds United this summer.

As we saw in the leaked image on Friday, Ramsey will sport the number 41 like he did at Aston Villa.

Jacob Ramsey didn't take much convincing to join the Magpies

The 24-year-old told the official Newcastle United website that he knew as soon as there was interest that this is where he wanted to be.

"I'm delighted to be here. It's been a mad two or three days, but I'm really happy to be here and I can't wait to get started.

"This is a big move for me, but as soon as I knew the gaffer was interested and really liked me, it didn't take much time to decide. His track record of developing players, especially those who have gone on to become internationals here, speaks for itself.

"It was always a tough game playing for Villa against Newcastle - the team is full of energy, so athletic and the fans are so passionate. I feel my game will suit that and I'm excited to be on the other end of it now."

Jacob Ramsey is Newcastle's fourth major signing of the summer

Ramsey follows Anthony Elanga, Aaron Ramsdale and Malick Thiaw as first-team signings this summer, with Park Seung-soo and Antonio Cordero joining for the reserves, although the latter has since gone out on loan.

Eddie Howe is delighted to have Jacob Ramsey through the door, having kept an eye on him for a couple of years.

"Jacob is another fantastic addition to our squad. His qualities will bring us something different on the pitch and he fits the profile of being young and hungry to develop, but also with a wealth of Premier League football under his belt.

"Jacob offers versatility and his directness in attack and has proven to be a real threat at this level in recent seasons. He performed very well in the Champions League last season too and we believe he'll be a major asset for us."