Fourth-choice Ramsdale will 'support team' - Eckert

Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has stated that Aaron Ramsdale will continue to support the team, despite becoming their fourth-choice goalkeeper. Ramsdale, 28, moved from Arsenal to Southampton in 2024, initially taking the number two position behind David Raya. During the 2024-25 season, he made 30 Premier League appearances as Southampton were relegated and then spent last season on loan at Newcastle, playing 23 times under Eddie Howe.

He returned to Southampton this summer, where the club remains in the second tier following a relegation earlier in the year.

Eckert revealed that Ramsdale has been playing for Southampton's under-21 team, a request he made himself. The goalkeeper, who has experience with the England national team and in the Champions League, has failed to secure a move away during the transfer window and is expected to remain at St Mary's until at least January. Eckert emphasized that Ramsdale's story at the club predates her arrival and that he has been a professional part of the group throughout.

The coach made it clear that Daniel Peretz, signed permanently from Bayern Munich and Hamburg over the summer, will remain Southampton's first choice goalkeeper. Ramsdale, George Long, and Jamie Jones will serve as the second choice, training goalkeeper, and backup goalkeeper, respectively. Eckert expressed her commitment to Peretz's position, stating that it remains unchanged. She also reaffirmed her support for Long as the second choice and reaffirmed her backing for Jamie Jones, who returned to the club on deadline day.