Aaron Ramsdale rejects Arsenal reunion….
Aaron Ramsdale rejected a last-minute Sunderland approach and resulted in avoiding a Granit Xhaka reunion. Knowing this, Adam Armstrong will be happy for the 27-year-old to favour his former side Newcastle over their derby rivals.
Aaron Ramsdale is now both an ex-Arsenal man and a former Southampton hero which is no new fact for the Saints. His future club will also be eager to welcome him as one of their own but fan perspectives will have looked completely flipped if he had changed his mind.
Not only would he have then avoided the Magpies, but he would have joined hands with their arch-rivals, Sunderland. In the words of journalist Ben Jacobs: “Ramsdale has already turned down an approach from Sunderland.”
Well, Southampton fans can understand the significance of this dismissal as similar to theirs, the Newcastle Sunderland clash isn’t an every-season occurrence. Hence, a yes or no in transfers is itself telling about which side a player roots for, who hasn’t participated in that rivalry.
And denying Sunderland has more to it which Saints might be missing. Recently, Fabrizio Romano confirmed the Black Cats new signing Granit Xhaka saying: “Granit Xhaka to Sunderland, here we go. Deal agreed between all parties involved.”
Adam Armstrong will be the happiest person with Ramsdale’s decision
Yes, it’s unbelievable at first but Aaron Ramsdale let go of an Arsenal reunion with Xhaka for the Newcastle move. The duo only played in a Gunners shirt together for a couple of years but they were largely starters, so, Ramsdale paying no heed to a familiar name moving there at the same time may frustrate some sections of Arsenal fans.
On the other hand, the 27-year-old glovesman’s Southampton teammate Adam Armstrong will be feeling content with it. In February, the Saints finisher ignored Sunderland because of his Newcastle past and watching his compatriot doing so will make him even happier.
How will Ramsdale show up in his first derby game with Newcastle? A clean sheet will be awesome but let’s hope he atleast emerges victorious there.
‘Interested’ – Sky Sports suggests Conference League union for ex-fullback
Ex-Saints fullback and Conference League winner Ainsley Maitland-Niles is wanted by another competition winner, David Moyes.
Like it or not, but while the last season came full of miseries for Southampton, it was completely a rejuvenating one for the English division in general. And all for how it inspired the mid and bottom table clubs to leap out of their average roles.
With Crystal Palace and Tottenham having secured European tickets, despite just modest league finishes, it shows what is possible in the division, at least for mid-table clubs.
What’s intriguing further? Some sides, like Everton, who finished just below Conference League qualifying Crystal Palace last season, have begun preparation to imitate similar successes.
Now, for Saints fans aware of Everton’s transfer interests, it comes as no surprise if David Moyes’ side tries to utilise the Saints’ success to their own benefit again. Indeed, that’s the case, once again, as Everton set sights on ex-Saint Ainsley Maitland-Niles for their European chances.
Everton’s Maitland-Niles plans will annoy Southampton
Recently, Sky Sports confirmed Everton’s interest, as the Top Flight suit plan uniting a Conference League winner in Maitland-Niles to another in boss David Moyes. Needless to say, a potential move brings them closer to their Conference League dream, which feels the most realistic goal for their situation.
Now, obviously, this interest annoys Saints fans, who wouldn’t want their former hero to join hands with Everton, the club that has given them multiple concerns this summer.
Yet the fearful part? Maitland-Niles could be persuaded by Moyes to join in his Everton project.
That’s because, while Lyon’s relegation has been overturned, there isn’t certainty on how things fare for them next. In this scenario, any transfer interest and, for that matter, an offer from Moyes can be difficult to deny for Maitland-Niles, who will be aware of the turnaround the manager did at Everton despite taking charge in the winter last season.
Well, for now, Maitland-Niles to Everton remains a rumour buzz. But with Bednarek’s Porto switch in front, it wouldn’t take too much to have the Saints fans accept it if Everton actually completes a double on ex-Saints.
