Aaron Ramsdale has joined the Saints from Arsenal on transfer deadline day
(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.
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.
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Yer a Saint, @AaronRamsdale98! 😇 pic.twitter.com/yp9OuCI8MsAugust 30, 2024
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.
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 covered a number of major sporting events in recent years including the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on the ground in Australia.
