The foremer Sheffield United goalkeeper has never let anybody down at Newcastle but decision time is just around the corner
Newcastle United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale claps the fans following the Premier League defeat at Crystal Palace(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Eddie Howe has made it clear that Aaron Ramsdale’s future is now in Southampton’s hands ahead of the expiry of his loan spell at Newcastle United.
The Magpies paid £4million to loan Ramsdale and have the option to buy the England international, but Howe has suggested that his price tag will dictate whether he extends his stay at United. The Saints – rocked after being expelled from the Championship play-offs – may need to consider every cash deal carefully after missing out on a £200m Premier League jackpot.
Howe signed Ramsdale for a second time last summer, having worked with the 28-year-old for a second time since their AFC Bournemouth days together. Ramsdale kept Nick Pope out across the winter months but ends the season back on the bench.
Asked if he will sign Ramsdale, Howe said: “I’ve really enjoyed working with Aaron again. I think he’s an unbelievable lad.
“Every time that I’ve worked with him, I’ve always had a great feeling about his personality and what he brings to the group – very, very positive guy.
“He’s actually become part of the squad so quickly and a really positive part of the squad. Very good off the pitch, very good in supporting the goalkeeper, who’s playing and he’s played a lot of games this year.
“I think he’d be really pleased with his return in terms of minutes and what he’s given the team.
“I think we’ve seen a big improvement from the moment that he came to his level, his training performances, his game performances. I think have been really strong.”
Howe then hit the ball into Southampton’s court as far as making the £20m-rated star into a permanent signing. He said: “Let’s see what happens in the next stage of his career. We’re not in control of what happens with his future; that’ll be Southampton’s choice, but I can only speak really highly of him.”
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