The goalkeeper position would have given Russell Martin many sleepless nights over the summer with Southampton first-choice Gavin Bazunu set to be sidelined until well into 2025 with an Achilles injury.
With a replacement not signed before the start of the season, Southampton fans’ biggest fears were realised as an Alex McCarthy error playing out from the back on the opening day gifted ten-man Newcastle United a 1-0 win.
A move for Feyenoord and Netherlands goalkeeper Justin Bijlow fell through in the final week of the transfer window due to a failed medical to leave Saints fans sweating at the thought of Martin not getting a new number one.
However, these concerns were put to bed emphatically as Southampton pulled off a deal for Aaron Ramsdale on Deadline Day for a fee that could rise to £25 million.
Ben Foster thinks Aaron Ramsdale will be a success at Southampton
This is a real coup for Southampton who have capitalised on Ramsdale falling out of favour at Arsenal to complete the signing of an England international goalkeeper who was bought for £30 million just three years ago.
Still only 26, Ramsdale is likely to only get better and his arrival significantly boosts Southampton’s survival chances in the Premier League this season.
Former Manchester United, West Brom and Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster certainly thinks so, as he said on his The Cycling GK Youtube channel: “I really like this move.
“I felt for Aaron last season being taken out of the team, David Raya came in here, did absolutely nothing wrong, and I think he would have felt a little aggrieved about that. I think it would have left a sour taste in his mouth.
“And I think for him it’s really important to just get back playing first-team football in the Premier League with a smile on his face. He has gone down to Southampton, obviously, he has been at Bournemouth before, he knows the area really well. He can really settle into the flow of life down there very quickly.
“And I just think we are going to see the best of him now because he will be playing with a smile on his face. It’s going to be a busy season for him. It’s going to be a tough season for Southampton, but I do think you will see the best of Aaron Ramsdale off the back of this move.”
Ramsdale made decent Southampton start despite defeat against Brentford
Ramsdale was thrown straight in for his Southampton debut just 24 hours after signing for the club, immediately displacing McCarthy in goal.
Whilst the Saints conceded three against Brentford, Ramsdale looked assured and the whole team seemed more confident when he had the ball than they had done with McCarthy.
Now, Ramsdale has two weeks to learn what Martin wants from his goalkeeper in possession thanks to the international break.
A huge upgrade on the existing options at Southampton, Ramsdale could quickly become a fan favourite at St Mary’s; particularly if he manages to keep some much needed clean sheets.
