Southampton have signed England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on a everlasting deal from Arsenal.
It’s understood the mounted charge is £18m, probably rising to £25m if performance-related add-ons are met. The Saints consider they’ve accomplished every thing in time for him to play this weekend towards Brentford however nonetheless are awaiting Premier League approval.
Discussing his transfer, former Bournemouth and Sheffield United ‘keeper Ramsdale advised Southampton’s media channels: “I’m absolutely delighted. The way the manager wants to play, the way he was when I spoke to him, he was just full of so much enthusiasm. I’d never met him before, but he made me feel about eight feet tall, which is just what you want.
“Coming again all the way down to the south coast as properly for me and my household, it could be a neater transition than most, so I really feel like I can hit the bottom operating.
“I’m looking forward to this year, just getting back to what I do best and having a big smile on my face while doing it here.”
Ramsdale – who was below contract with Arsenal till 2026 – misplaced his place as first-choice goalkeeper to David Raya final season, resulting in hypothesis he would depart this summer time.
The England goalkeeper joined Arsenal from Sheffield United for £30m in 2021, and has made 89 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions.
Southampton supervisor Russell Martin added: “I’m delighted. Bringing in a player like Aaron is a real statement signing for us, so I’m very grateful to ownership and the board for making it happen, especially as so many other clubs were keen to get him.
“Aaron is clearly a really gifted goalkeeper, but additionally a formidable all-round soccer participant, which is clearly essential for us with the way in which we play.
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Ramsdale defined why he was dressed as Harry Potter character Hagrid on the Championship play-off closing. He was talking at James Maddison’s charity golf day for the Noah’s Ark Youngsters’s Hospice
“His reputation speaks for itself, he brings great experience even at what is still a relatively young age at his position and he’s a fantastic character too, who I think will be a wonderful addition for us both on the pitch and in the dressing room.”
Southampton had seemed to be signing Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow earlier this week, however determined to drag out of the deal on the medical stage on Tuesday.
In the meantime, Arsenal have most of the particulars of a deal in place to signal Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia as a substitute for Ramsdale, and are understood to be in a great place to shut it now the England stopper has made his transfer.
Merson: Saints deal is nice transfer for Ramsdale
Sky Sports activities’ Paul Merson:
“It’s a great move for him, Southampton are a Premier League team now. It’s hard for goalkeepers. There’s only one position, it’s hard to get in at somewhere so he’s going to go in and be playing in the Premier League, which is great. He’s a good goalkeeper.
“He is an important lad. and I want him all the very best. He will be busy, which typically you need as a goalkeeper. He might be busy at Southampton and who is aware of – he’ll be trying to take the No 1 spot at England.
“It’s a fresh start, a new manager for England and now he’s got an opportunity to play in the Premier League and then become England No 1.”
