Southampton manager Tonda Eckert insists Aaron Ramsdale can still contribute by supporting the squad, even though the goalkeeper is currently fourth in the club’s pecking order.
The 28-year-old joined Southampton from Arsenal in the summer of 2024 after serving as deputy to Spain international David Raya.
Ramsdale featured in 30 Premier League matches during the 2024-25 season, which ended with Southampton’s relegation. He then spent last season on loan at Newcastle, making 23 appearances for Eddie Howe’s side.
He returned to Southampton during the summer, with the club still competing in the second tier after being excluded from last season’s play-off final due to the Spygate controversy.
Ramsdale has represented Southampton’s under-21 side this season, and Eckert said the goalkeeper personally requested the opportunity to play at that level.
After being unable to arrange a transfer before the window closed, the England international and Champions League goalkeeper now appears likely to remain at St Mary’s until at least January.
Eckert explained that Ramsdale’s situation at Southampton began before he took charge of the team.
He said the club held open discussions with the goalkeeper throughout pre-season and up to the transfer deadline, adding that Ramsdale remains part of the squad.
According to Eckert, Ramsdale understands that he is expected to help the team however he can, and the player has handled the situation with professionalism.
The manager added that the future remains uncertain but, for now, Ramsdale is a Southampton player. He also noted that the goalkeeper recently became a father for the second time.
Daniel Peretz is Southampton’s first-choice goalkeeper after completing a permanent move to the club during the summer following an impressive loan spell last season.
The former Bayern Munich and Hamburg player performed strongly during the latter half of the campaign. After Southampton reportedly paid £6m for him in June, Eckert confirmed that Peretz would continue as the team’s preferred option.
Eckert also maintained his support for George Long as the second-choice goalkeeper, while 37-year-old Jamie Jones rejoined Southampton on transfer deadline day.
The manager said both he and the club remain fully committed to Peretz as their number one.
He believes Peretz earned that position through a series of excellent displays last season and confirmed that Long will continue as his deputy.
Eckert said the goalkeeping unit worked effectively together last season, with Jones contributing in a training role, and confirmed that Southampton intends to continue with the same structure.
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