Ewen Jaouen, a 20-year-old French goalkeeper, has been signed by Newcastle United for a reported fee of £18.5 million, marking a significant step up from Ligue 2 to the Premier League. This move is a testament to Jaouen's potential, as he has already impressed goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon, who believes he could one day be a top-tier goalkeeper in England. Jaouen's impressive clean sheet record for Stade de Reims in Ligue 2, where he kept 15 clean sheets in a single league campaign, caught the attention of clubs across Europe.
Lollichon, who worked with Jaouen during a loan spell at USL Dunkerque, describes him as a 'modern' goalkeeper with all the raw attributes to develop further. His height, proactive nature in the box, decent footwork, and ability to produce big saves are all positive traits. However, Jaouen still requires a lot of work, and Lollichon suggests that he needs to feel the love and support around him to reach his full potential.
The move to Newcastle is a strategic one, as the club is looking to build a strong foundation for the future. Head coach Eddie Howe believes Jaouen has the calmness and presence to grow and improve within the team's environment. This signing marks a shift in approach for Newcastle, who have previously recruited proven Premier League players, but are now turning their attention to promising talents from the continent.
Jaouen's journey to the top has not been without challenges. After a few errors at Dunkerque, he lost his position to a more experienced goalkeeper, but he embraced the opportunity to learn and improve. His performances at Dunkerque, including a crucial save against Jonathan David in the French Cup, showcased his ability to step up under pressure and take control in high-stakes situations.
Lollichon highlights Jaouen's mental strength and composure, particularly in the penalty shootout against Lille, where he took control and executed a successful penalty. This move to Newcastle is a significant step forward in Jaouen's career, and with the right support and development, he could become a very interesting prospect in English football.
