Premier League club Southampton have announced the signing of England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on a permanent deal from Arsenal.
Ramsdale shot-stopper has put pen to paper on a four-year deal with the option for a further year, and the Saints will pay an initial £18 million fee for the Three Lions shot-stopper, with an extra £7m in add-ons.
“I’m absolutely delighted,” The 26-year-old told club media on Friday. “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 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.”
Ramsdale joined Arsenal from Sheffield United for £30m in 2021, and made 89 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions, winning the Community Shield in 2023. He was named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for the 2022-23 campaign as the outstanding goalkeeper.
The England international, who was part of their Euro 2024 team, was under contract with Arsenal until 2026, but since losing his place as first-choice goalie to David Raya last season, he’s been on the hunt for a new home.
Saints’ manager Russell Martin expressed his delight at the acquisition of Ramsdale, who he termed as a “statement signing” for the club.
He said: “I’m delighted. Bringing in a player like Aaron [Ramsdale] 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.
“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 returned to the Premier League a year after going down, after defeating Leeds United in the Championship play-off final. They have yet to win a game in the Premier League losing one-nil to Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, respectively. However, the secured a 5-3 win over Cardiff City in the English Football League (EFL) Cup on Wednesday.
The Saints will be in action at teatime on Saturday when they head to the Gtech Community Stadium to take on Brentford in matchday three, and it is left to see whether Ramsdale will be involved in the game as they await approval from the Premier League.
