'Likely to leave' - Southampton's Aaron Ramsdale mooted as Nick Pope alternative for Leeds United
Southampton's Aaron Ramsdale mooted as Nick Pope alternative for Leeds United
Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has been mooted as a potential transfer option for Leeds United.
The Whites are seemingly on the hunt for a new goalkeeper this summer having seen £15.6m acquisition Lucas Perri flatter to deceive.
Karl Darlow dislodged Perri in January, but is out of contract at the end of the month and has been linked with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Newcastle United stopper Nick Pope has been repeatedly linked with Leeds amid doubts over his future at St James’ Park. The 34-year-old spent last season battling for minutes with Ramsdale, who was on loan at Newcastle from Southampton.
Aaron Ramsdale floated as Leeds United option
Ramsdale is due back at his parent club for pre-season having missed out on England’s World Cup squad, although former Premier League scout Mick Brown has claimed he is likely to leave.
Brown, who has worked for the likes of Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers, believes Leeds could be tempted by the 28-year-old.
He told Football Insider: "Leeds are in the market for a new goalkeeper so they will be aware of his availability. Ramsdale is likely to leave Southampton and it's clear he won't be staying at Newcastle, so somebody like Leeds could well be tempted to take a gamble on him.
"He's not had the best season, Ramsdale, it seemed like he could never really nail down a place in the Newcastle team, so he will be keen to play more regularly.
"It wasn't that long ago that he was an England international, so the quality is there if somebody is willing to give him the chance.
"If Leeds aren't going to sign Nick Pope, and I expect that is the case, then his teammate from last season could certainly be an option.
"He's a good goalkeeper Ramsdale - maybe not a top, top option that Leeds might hope for, but he could certainly do a job and would be an upgrade on what they've got."
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Aaron Ramsdale’s career path
Ramsdale is no stranger to Yorkshire having had two spells with Sheffield United. He started his senior career with the Blades before moving on to AFC Bournemouth, later returning to Bramall Lane for the 2020/21 season.
His exploits during his second spell drew the attention of Arsenal, who tied him to a long-term contract in August 2021. He spent two seasons as the main between the sticks at the Emirates Stadium before being leapfrogged in the pecking order by David Raya.
Ramsdale joined Southampton in 2024 and was part of the Saints side relegated from the Premier League in 2025. Instead of following the club into the Championship, he penned a season-long loan deal at Newcastle.
The five-cap England international made a total of 23 appearances for the Magpies across all competitions.
Even if he remained at St Mary’s, minutes would not be guaranteed. Southampton have already signed Daniel Peretz from Bayern Munich on a permanent basis following his impressive loan spell at the club last season.