Newcastle keeper exit prompts reaction as Bruno Guimaraes comment speaks volumes

The England international goalkeeper has returned to the Saints ahead of pre-season after Newcastle opted not to make his loan deal permanent, bringing to an end his only season on Tyneside.

Ramsdale made 23 appearances for the Magpies across all competitions last term as he found himself in and out of the side while competing with Nick Pope for the number one spot.

Neither man ever did enough to keep the shirt of an extended spell last term and that uncertainty was ultimately why the 28-year-old has not made his time at St James' Park a permanent stay.

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Nonetheless, the former Arsenal goalkeeper showed his class with an emotional message on his Instagram page on Friday, thanking the fans, the club and his team-mates for such a positive experience.

"As pre season begins I want to take the time to thank @nufc and everyone associated with the football club for the honour and responsibility of playing for your football club," Ramsdale said.

"[I] Thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Toon with lots of learning too! The passion you fans have for the football club I have nothing but respect for and thank you for supporting me along the way. Big love to the boys man! What a group we had, top people, so many laughs, love you all."

The former Bournemouth and Sheffield United goalkeeper clearly made a positive impression on his team-mates with a number of them replying to the post.

Club captain Bruno Guimaraes, who has been linked with a move to Arsenal, replied with a love heart emoji, while all three of Kieran Trippier, Nick Woltemade and Sven Botman replied by saying: 'What a guy!'

Joe Willock said: "Going to miss you so much brother," while Tino Livramento, Jacob Ramsey, Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, Malick Thiaw, Lewis Hall, Fabian Schar and fellow goalkeeper Mark Gillespie also added comments.

Ramsdale's future this summer remains unclear with Southampton making Daniel Peretz's loan spell from Bayern Munich a permanent stay, with the Israel international set to continue as number one for the Championship club this term.

He has been tentatively linked with a move to Leeds United and it remains to be seen whether his future will see him staying at St Mary's to compete for his place or moving elsewhere in the search for regular football.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are set for a radical shake-up of their goalkeeping options. John Ruddy and Max Thompson joined Ramsdale out of the exit door this summer and Nick Pope could follow. Ewen Jaouen has joined from Stade Reims and another goalkeeper is expected to follow, meaning Gillespie could be the only survivor from last season's goalkeeping unit.