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WATCH: Southampton announce Aaron Ramsdale signing in Harry Potter style

English goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has been announced as the new signing for Southampton. In the announcement video he can be seen donning the outfit of Hagrid.

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Saatvik Oberoi
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In the Southampton announcement video, Aaron Ramsdale re-enacted Hagrid from the Harry Potter series to reaffirm his transfer. Aaron Ramsdale, an England and Arsenal custodian, has finally joined Southampton for a fee of £25 million. The former Sheffield United custodian will cost the Saints an initial £18 million with an additional £7 million in add-ons. The 26-year-old has committed to St Mary's for four years, with the possibility of a one-year extension at the club's discretion. 

Ramsdale was chosen for Gareth Southgate's UEFA Euro 2024 team despite having five caps for his country. Following a £26 million transfer from Sheffield United to the Emirates in 2021, he played 89 games for Arsenal.

In May, the ex-Bournemouth custodian went to Southampton's play-off victory over Leeds United to cheer for his close buddy David Brooks, who had been on loan from the Cherries to the Saints. Within their friendship group, it is customary for them to attend the end-of-season fancy dress match. At Wembley, Ramsdale donned the costume of Harry Potter's Hagrid. 

To replace Ramsdale, Arsenal plans to wrap up a season-long loan deal for Bournemouth custodian Neto. They have been actively pursuing RCD Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia, but their two bids have been turned down thus far. It would be interesting to see who becomes the back-up custodian to David Raya. 

“Aaron is a real statement signing for us” : Russel Martin

Aaron Ramsdale said, "I'm absolutely delighted. The way the manager wants to play, the way he was when I spoke to him, he was just full of so much enthusiasm. I’d never met him before but he made me feel about eight feet tall, which is just what you want."

Russel Martin, the head coach of Southampton spoke about the signing of Aaron Ramsdale. He said, "Aaron is a real statement signing for us. I’m very grateful to ownership and the board for making it happen, especially as so many other clubs were keen to get him."

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