Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has said Aaron Ramsdale remains part of the squad and is expected to "support the team", despite the goalkeeper having slipped to fourth choice after failing to secure a transfer during the summer window. The comments matter because Ramsdale, a former England and Champions League goalkeeper, appears set to spend the rest of the year playing a peripheral role at a club still in the Championship following last season's relegation and the Spygate-related loss of their play-off final.

Ramsdale joined Southampton from Arsenal in 2024 and made 30 Premier League appearances that season before a loan at Newcastle, where he played 23 games under Eddie Howe. He has since returned to Saints but has been playing for the under-21s, reportedly at his own request, with Eckert confirming Daniel Peretz, signed permanently for a reported £6m, remains first choice, followed by George Long and returning veteran Jamie Jones. Eckert added that Ramsdale had been "very professional" and noted he recently became a father for the second time.