Southampton are aiming to earn promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt this season.
The Saints had a difficult start to the campaign, which led to Tonda Eckert replacing Will Still as manager just a few months after the latter joined the club.
The Hampshire outfit are now back in the mix for a play-off place after a strong run of form under the 33-year-old.
However, they are currently four points behind sixth place Wrexham with just 11 games remaining in the term.
Southampton also face competition from the likes of Derby County, Watford and Bristol City, among others, in the battle for the top six positions.
The Championship side earned play-off success in their most recent promotion to the Premier League, beating Leeds United at Wembley Stadium in 2024.
Aaron Ramsdale transfer latest
Former scout Mick Brown has claimed that Newcastle United are more likely than not to trigger the buy option in their loan deal for Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
While the shot-stopper hasn’t been a central part of Eddie Howe’s plans, he expects a permanent move to make most sense for the Magpies as they will have greater transfer priorities elsewhere in the squad, making it a sensible option to keep him.
“It’s a bit of a strange situation with Aaron Ramsdale,” said Brown, via Football Insider.
“I don’t think he’s an elite-level goalkeeper. He’s a good one, he’s good with his feet and he’s a good shot-stopper, but he’s not quite at that top level.
“There’s a reason Arsenal went and bought Raya to replace him, for example.
“For Newcastle, he’s come into the team recently and done a decent enough job despite their results which have led to a few concerns.
“But I don’t think signing a new goalkeeper is going to be at the top of their list, Eddie Howe has other positions he would like to strengthen first.
“So looking at it, the Ramsdale deal would be a pretty easy one for them to complete and it would mean they go into next season with the same two goalkeepers.
“I don’t think that would be the end of the world for them if it then allows them to focus their efforts elsewhere, and I think that’s what they’re now planning to do.”
Ramsdale signed for Newcastle last summer following Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League.
The 27-year-old has made seven appearances in the top flight for the Magpies, with Nick Pope asserting himself as Howe’s preferred option when both are available.
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The goalkeeper has also played twice in the Champions League, but it is clear that he is second choice in the pecking order at this stage of the campaign.
Ramsdale made the move to St. Mary’s in the 2024 summer transfer window, and he started on 30 occasions for the club as they suffered a 20th place finish in the table.
Southampton are now seeking an immediate return to the first division, but they are seventh in the standings.
Eckert’s side are four points adrift of Wrexham in sixth, with the two teams both set to take a pause from league action this weekend.
The Hampshire outfit will be in action away to Premier League side Fulham in the fifth round of the FA Cup, while the Welsh side will be at home to Chelsea.
The Saints will return to the Championship on 11 March with a trip to relegation-threatened West Brom in a 7.45pm kick-off.
Aaron Ramsdale sale would be a positive step for Southampton
Being able to cash in on Ramsdale in the summer could prove quite useful for Southampton, as that will generate additional funds that could be reinvested back into the team.
The goalkeeper situation is one that will need to be addressed at the end of the season due to Daniel Peretz only being at the club on loan.
Perhaps a permanent deal could be agreed with Bayern Munich but, if not, then a new shot-stopper will likely need to be signed.
However, the club can’t progress on any plans until the season is over and Newcastle formally make a decision regarding Ramsdale’s future.
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