SHEFFIELD UNITED have re-signed Aaron Ramsdale from Bournemouth for £18.5million.
The 22-year-old impressed at the Vitality Stadium this season, despite the Cherries’ relegation.
Ramsdale suffered relegation with BournemouthCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
His performances during loan spells at Chesterfield and AFC Wimbledon saw him earn his place in Bournemouth’s first XI for the 2019-20 campaign.
And he excelled, starting 37 of their 38 matches.
But following their relegation and Eddie Howe’s subsequent departure, Ramsdale elected to return to Bramall Lane when the opportunity arose.
The England Under-21 international replaces the outgoing Dean Henderson, following his return to Manchester United.
And upon re-signing for the Blades, having left in January 2017 following two FA Cup appearances for the then-League One side, Ramsdale expressed his delight to be back.
He told the club’s official platforms: “I’m very fortunate to be able to come back to a place I call home and I’m just excited to get going, see the lads I left behind and meet the new ones now in the team.
“I’m delighted, it wasn’t an easy decision to leave Bournemouth, but when a club comes in for you, shows that faith it has and is willing to pay this sort of money then obviously I’ve got to do a lot to repay it, but my smile has been ear-to-ear since I walked back through the door.”
Having paid the club’s second-highest transfer fee ever to be reunited with Ramsdale, only topped by January’s Sander Berge deal, Chris Wilder signalled the club’s intent following their ninth-placed finish.
And after sealing the deal, he said: “The goalkeeping situation is something we have to make sure we get right.
“This is not about Dean [Henderson], it’s about bringing Aaron in, but Dean was outstanding for us for two years.
Dean Henderson has now returned to Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“We know a lot about Aaron, we’ve watched him develop on loan at Chesterfield and then AFC Wimbledon and obviously we’ve watched him this season too.
“I’d like to thank the board for their backing given the situation. Aaron is certainly amongst the best young goalkeepers in this country and we are delighted to have him.”
As for Henderson, SunSport this week exclusively revealed that Man United have offered him a bumper £100,000-a-week contract to stay at Old Trafford, amid interest from the likes of Chelsea.
Man Utd wage bill revealed with Dean Henderson set to take home same amount as Bruno Fernandes after new contract
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
