Ramsdale joins Southampton on four-year deal from Arsenal
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Aaron Ramsdale’s Arsenal career is over after the 26-year-old officially joined Southampton on Deadline Day.
The England international has signed a four-year contract with the Saints, as he returns to the South Coast.
Ramsdale – the former Bournemouth stopper – will cost Southampton an initial £18million, rising to £25m in add-0ns.
He was part of Gareth Southgate’s England Euro 2024 squad and has earned five caps for his country, as well as appearing 89 times for Arsenal.
Speaking for the first time as a Saint, he said: “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.
Wizard in the window 🪄
We are delighted to confirm the signing of @AaronRamsdale98 on a four-year contract from @Arsenal 🤩
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) August 30, 2024
“Coming back down to the south coast as well for me and my family, it would be an easier transition than most, so I feel like I can hit the ground running.
“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.”
Russell Martin will be relying on Ramsdale to help him in the fight to survive in the Premier League.
Southampton have failed to win either of their opening two games, but will be strengthened with the goalkeeper’s arrival.
The Saints boss 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 obviously a very talented goalkeeper, but also an impressive all-round football player, which is clearly important for us with the way we play.
One happy Hagrid 😅 pic.twitter.com/gW5N72vgnr
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) August 30, 2024
“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.
“I’m really delighted with the goalkeeper group we have moving forward, who I’m sure will all drive each other on.
“Alex McCarthy has been huge for us and was such a big part of getting us back to the Premier League, and Joe Lumley is another player with great experience and quality.
“Gavin Bazunu has a tremendous future too, but with his injury and Mateusz Lis moving to Göztepe it was important we added another player and we couldn’t have asked for anyone better than Aaron.”
Southampton face Brentford away from home on Saturday in their next top-flight fixture.
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