Sheffield United have officially completed the signing of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from Bournemouth, the club has confirmed.
The shot-stopper returns to his boyhood club, putting pen to paper on a a four-year contract at the Bramall Lane in a deal worth £18.5 million.
Welcome back, Rambo. ✍️ pic.twitter.com/B7hsQgdlwB
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) August 19, 2020
Ramsdale will replace Dean Henderson as the Blades’ first-choice keeper, with the latter returning to Manchester United after his two years loan spell with the club.
“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,” Ramsdale told the club’s website.
“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.”
“I’m very fortunate to have come back to a place I call home.”
Rambo’s first interview following his return to Bramall Lane 🏡 pic.twitter.com/u9fll2JOpj
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) August 19, 2020
Bournemouth were not prepared to let go off their No.1 as they planned an immediate return to the Premier League following their relegation into the Sky Bet Championship in the just ended season.
He becomes the second-most expensive signing in the club’s history, only behind January arrival Sander Berge.
Manager Chris Wilder added: “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. 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.”
