Sunderland have identified Aaron Ramsdale as a top target to take over from Anthony Patterson as Southampton’s demands are revealed.
Following promotion from the Championship, Sunderland are showing vast ambition as they look to cement their place in the Premier League in the 2025/26 campaign.
Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman has always been transparent with his desire to bring Sunderland back up to the Premier League, and he is delivering on his promises by sanctioning deals to bring in the cream of the European crop.
Already through the doors at the Stadium of Light are Habib Diarra, Simon Adingram, Chemsdine Taibi and Noah Sadiki, who have all arrived for substantial fees alongside Enzo Le Fee from Roma, whose loan from the Italian giants was made permanent after promotion to the Premier League.
Sunderland will not stop there with their recruitment, with Anthony Patterson next on the list for the Black Cats.
Southampton's Aaron Ramsdale thanks the home fans
Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images
Sunderland want Aaron Ramsdale as Southampton look to break even on the England shot-stopper
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Sunderland have turned their attention to England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to become their new number one.
As previously confirmed by TBR Football, Regis Le Bris is keen to replace Anthony Patterson, with Ramsdale regarded as a viable successor to the Sunderland-born goalkeeper.
We understand Sunderland are stepping up their efforts on Ramsdale and they have already had contact with his representatives, who in principle have confirmed he is open to moving to the North East.
Ramsdale is eager to remain in the Premier League this season to consolidate any chances of an England call-up, and Southampton have agreed to let him leave.
We also understand that the Saints are not opposed to a loan move for the goalkeeper, which is of interest to Rangers, whilst Leeds United have also shown interest in Ramsdale.
We can confirm that Sunderland are readying an opening offer which is going to be close to Southampton’s current asking price. The Saints want the £25million they paid Arsenal for Ramsdale last summer to break even.
Ramsdale suffered relegation with Southampton last season, where he conceded 66 goals in 30 appearances.
Regis Le Bris the head coach / manager of Sunderland
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Aaron Ramsdale’s Premier League record may worry Sunderland fans
On paper, the potential acquisition of Aaron Ramsdale looks like a shrewd deal by Sunderland for a five-cap England man who is still just 27 years old.
However, Ramsdale has struggled previously in the Premier League, having suffered three relegations for separate clubs.
Ramsdale has dropped down to the Championship with Sheffield United, Bournemouth, and most recently Southampton – a feat that Sunderland fans will hope is not repeated once again.
A fee in the region of £25m is also a significant outlay for a goalkeeper whose side has just finished rock-bottom of the Premier League.
Ramsdale’s quality is clear to see, especially from his stint at Arsenal; however, Regis Le Bris will need to ensure that he can restore the confidence of the goalkeeper in order to make him an upgrade on Anthony Patterson.