Newcastle monitor World Cup winner with Dubravaka's future uncertain

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 25 Jan 2024 12:13 GMT
• 3 min read

Newcastle United wants to strengthen its goalkeeper department with Ajax shot-stopper Geronimo Rulli, according to the Argentinian media.

The 31-year-old goalie ended up playing second fiddle Ajax in favour of Diant Ramaj and has therefore submitted his wish to leave.

Ajax are open to the Argentinian's departure provided the right amount is put on the table. Rulli's contract at the Johan Cruijff Arena runs until mid-2026.

Newcastle are looking for a new goalkeeper due to the long-term injury of first-choice Nick Pope. He suffered a shoulder injury in the match against Manchester United (1-0 win) and will be sidelined for four months. Martin Dubravka, Loris Karius, and Mark Gillespie are the goalkeepers behind the 31-year-old Englishman in the pecking order.

Newcastle United were taken over by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, among others, in 2021 and therefore the transfer fee will in principle not pose a problem.

However due to the applicable FFP rules of the Premier League, the Magpies will first have to sell players before players can be brought in. Kieran Trippier was previously linked with a move to Bayern Munich, but that transfer is now in doubt.

Ajax has requested information from RKC Waalwijk about 28-year-old Etienne Vaessen, who is considered a possible successor to Rulli. Mounir Boualin of FCUpdate reported at the end of December that both Ajax and a club from Turkey have the goalkeeper in their sights. Vaessen has been with RKC since 2016 and has played in 194 competition matches.