Leeds given new encouragement in bid to sign Aaron Ramsdale
Aaron Ramsdale’s release clause in his Southampton contract has alerted Leeds United ahead of the summer and provided encouragement that a deal can be done, sources have told Football Insider.
Southampton are certainties for the drop having won just 10 points in their 30 matches this season, and with eight left to play, Ramsdale has his eyes on the exit and is keen to remain a Premier League player.
Ramsdale now has a high likelihood of doing so, with sources telling Football Insider that the 26-year-old’s Saints contract includes a £25million release clause, similar to the fee they paid Arsenal to sign him.
That has alerted Leeds – who will be on the hunt for a new goalkeeper regardless of if they return to the top-flight – to Ramsdale’s impending availability, with Daniel Farke having finally axed Illan Meslier.
Bournemouth are also keen on securing a reunion with Ramsdale if they don’t sign Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea permanently, with Mick Brown telling Football Insider that the England shot-stopper could be the best there is on the market this summer.
Leeds set to join Aaron Ramsdale race if promoted
Ramsdale has already undergone two top-flight relegations with Bournemouth and Sheffield United in 2020 and 2021 respectively, and it remains to be seen if he’d want another dogfight at the bottom.
However, if Farke is able to recover from the pressure he’s currently under and bring Leeds back to the Premier League, Elland Road will provide the clearest route back into top-flight contention for Ramsdale.
Leeds fans fear the worst if promotion isn’t achieved this season with their financial meltdown of the 2000’s still fresh in the memory, and a keeper of Ramsdale’s quality would be a perfect fit if promoted.
Ramsdale can rebuild reputation as new number one at Leeds
Despite suffering two previous Premier League relegations, Ramsdale is arguably at his lowest ebb, having dropped to fourth-choice in the goalkeeping ranks under new England manager Thomas Tuchel.
Having staked a claim to become the Three Lions’ number one during his spell at Arsenal, Ramsdale clearly needs to move back to a big club in order to rediscover both his confidence and his form.
Farke finally giving in to drop Meslier – who has crumbled under the pressure of the Leeds shirt – opens the door for Ramsdale to sign if promoted, and he could take to life at Elland Road like a duck to water.