Aaron Ramsdale sends ‘difficult’ Southampton message after Leeds transfer update
Aaron Ramsdale has taken to social media with an emotional message following the confirmation of Southampton’s relegation.
The Saints’ 3-1 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday, 6 April, marked the goalkeeper’s third relegation of his career, having also failed to secure safety with Bournemouth and Sheffield United.
Despite keeping just two clean sheets so far this season, Football Insider understands that Leeds United are encouraged by a possible deal for Ramsdale, with a £25million release clause available this summer.
Ivan Juric has already left Southampton by mutual consent, departing after just 108 days in charge, with Simon Rusk set to take over on an interim basis for the second time this season.
It has been incredibly difficult for the 26-year-old, and that was no different against Spurs as Brennan Johnson scored a brace and Mathys Tel netted a late penalty.
The Saints are now trying to avoid breaking Derby County’s record of winning just 11 points during the 2007/08 Premier League season.
Southampton shot-stopper sends emotional message to fanbase
Taking to Instagram (7 April), Ramsdale wrote: “A very hard day and a tough one to take. This is a special club with amazing fans – we are sorry that it has ended like this. You deserve better.
“This club has come back from adversity on many occasions, and this time will be no different. Still a lot of football to be played, and we will keep trying to salvage positives from what has been an extremely difficult season.
“Thank you for sticking with us,” rounded off with a heart emoji, with Dominic Solanke, Ivan Toney, David Raya and Kieran Trippier are liking the post in a show of support.
Aaron Ramsdale could leave St Mary’s Stadium after crushing blow
Football Insider
Ramsdale has rarely stayed in one place for long periods of time, having bounced around Sheffield United and Bournemouth before getting a stint with Arsenal, only to be replaced by David Raya.
The 26-year-old has made just 25 appearances since moving to the Saints permanently, but with Leeds likely desperate to replace Illan Meslier, a new challenge might have already emerged for him.
| Aaron Ramsdale’s 2024/25 Premier League season | Stats, as per FotMob |
| Minutes played | 2070 |
| Goals conceded (xG conceded) | 54 (51.87) |
| Saves | 98 |
| Clean sheets | 2 |
It could get even worse for Southampton, with the likes of Flynn Downes, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Kyle Walker-Peters and Tyler Dibling all far too good for the Championship next season.
Man City and Tottenham have already been named in the race for Dibling‘s signature, with the 19-year-old forward potentially earning the club up to £100million this summer.
Of course, that kind of money would go a long way in rebuilding the squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, but it could be a struggle to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.