Aaron Ramsdale could not hide his delight after securing a deadline-day move to Southampton.
Goalkeeper Ramsdale has signed a four-year contract at St Mary’s after Saints agreed a deal with Arsenal worth up to £25million.
The England international had to play second fiddle to David Raya at the Gunners last season and jumped at the chance to join newly promoted Southampton and return to the south coast where he played previously for Bournemouth.
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.
“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.”
Yer a Saint, @AaronRamsdale98! 😇 pic.twitter.com/yp9OuCI8Ms
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) August 30, 2024
Saints boss Russell Martin was equally pleased to get the deal done as he looks to build a squad capable of remaining in the top flight.
Martin told the club’s official website: “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.
“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.”
