Former Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale could be set to join his third club in less than 12 months with the Southampton stopper wanted by Premier League rivals
Aaron Ramsdale is on the brink of his second transfer within a year, as Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing up the goalkeeper.
Ramsdale only joined Southampton last summer, with the Saints shelling out £25million to Arsenal for his signature. However, it’s been a grim season for the Saints, with the club managing just one win and languishing at the foot of the Premier League table.
Despite the gloom, Ramsdale has been a glimmer of hope, although he’s still let in 27 of the 44 goals Southampton have conceded this season. He’s also had to sit out six matches due to a finger injury.
But his standout performances could offer him a lifeline from Southampton’s impending relegation. It’s widely anticipated that Ramsdale will be on the move again if the Saints drop down a division.
The Sun reports that Newcastle have taken note of his situation. The Magpies are said to be ‘firmly’ in the market for a new shot-stopper, with Ramsdale now topping their wish list.
They were initially keen on Burnley’s James Trafford, but the Englishman looks set to stay put at Turf Moor. This has led Newcastle to consider other options, and they’re now preparing a bid for Ramsdale.
The Magpies could swoop in as soon as this month, hoping to coax Southampton into a deal. With Nick Pope’s season once again marred by injuries, his future at St James’ Park hangs in the balance.
Toon boss Eddie Howe holds Ramsdale in high esteem and is ready to let Pope’s understudy Martin Dubravka exit this month. Dubravka’s anticipated move to Saudi Arabia hinges on securing a ‘top-class replacement’.
Ramsdale, who bagged the Premier League’s golden glove during his Arsenal stint before being benched for David Raya, has made it clear that he’ll prioritise playing time when considering club transfers.
“If I was sitting on the bench, it [winning a trophy] wouldn’t have meant that much to me,” Ramsdale confessed to Football Focus in October. “I just wanted to play football. As a kid I wanted to play football to play, not to just sit on a bench.
“Getting out and playing was my aim so I’m lucky I found myself here at Southampton. I did an interview with David Seaman about my new contract (in May, 2023) and I wanted to emulate him and be there (at Arsenal) for eight, 10 years.
“A couple of months later I was out of the team. He (Raya) was actually the first person to text me on my move here (to Southampton) out of the Arsenal boys. He was great. He was top.”