WATCH: Southampton’s announcement video after signing Aaron Ramsdale is spellbinding

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Aaron Ramsdale has joined the Saints from Arsenal on transfer deadline day

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: Southampton FC sign Aaron Ramsdale from Arsenal FC on a permanent transfer, pictured in fancy dress as Hagrid from Harry Potter, in relation to an outfit that he wore to attend Southampton FC's Playoff final, at the Staplewood Campus on August 29, 2024 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Aaron Ramsdale has departed Arsenal after three years to join Premier League rivals Southampton in a permanent switch.

The 26-year-old has agreed a four-year deal at St Mary's Stadium, with Southampton paying an initial £18million for the England goalkeeper, with an extra £7million in add-ons.

Ramsdale, who previously spent three years at Bournemouth, fell out of favour last season with Mikel Arteta preferring new signing David Raya between the sticks.

And his announcement video as Southampton's latest signing was nothing short of magical - Ramsdale dressing up as beloved Harry Potter character Hagrid.

Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale done a Harry Potter disguise, dressing as Hagrid to watch Southampton beat Leeds United in the Championship play-off final at Wembley in May 2024.

Ramsdale going 'full Hagrid' at Wembley (Image credit: Getty Images)

The reveal wasn't down to a random love of the wizarding world from Ramsdale, instead it links to last season's Championship play-off final where the Saints booked their Premier League return.

Facing Leeds at Wembley, Southampton were cheered on by Ramsdale who had gone to Wembley to cheer on winger David Brooks, one of his closest friends off the pitch.

In the spirit of attending an end-of-season game in fancy dress, the England stopper chose to go to Wembley as Hagrid.

So when he was getting announced as Southampton's latest signing it made sense to include the famous "you're a wizard line" delivered by Robbie Coltrane - but with a slight twist.

Well played Southampton social team.

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Jack Lacey-Hatton
Jack Lacey-Hatton
Freelance writer

Jack has worked as a sports reporter full-time since 2021. He previously worked as the Chief Women’s Football Writer at the Mirror, covering the England Women’s national team and the Women’s Super League. Jack has reported on a number of major sporting events in recent years including the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on the ground in Australia. When not writing about the game, he can often spotted playing at a pitch somewhere in the west London area.