x

Southampton Still Have Two Irons In The Fire For A Goalkeeper

There are conflicting stories coming out of the media about just who Saints are going to try and sign as the transfer window enters it's final week, but what one will it be and will they succeed or fail on a season changing decision.

The pursuit of Aaron Ramsdale has been in the rumour mill for the past month or so, but with Arsenal seemingly hanging on to the final week of the window in the hope of generating a bit of a bidding war, either for a permanent move or a loan deal, the trail went cold for a while.

Earlier this week sportsview.co.uk reported that none other than Fabrizio Romano, that much respected predictor of transfer rumours was claiming that Southampton were in talks with Feyenoord over Dutch international keeper Justin Bijlow.

But just as Southampton supporters started to get a good feeling about this deal, it now comes out that Saints are preparing an official loan move for Aaron Ramsdale, so the pendulum swings again.

Ideally, the Gunners want to sell Ramsdale permanently or on loan with an obligation to buy. But Saints getting him on loan at the moment, and it remains to be seen if the deal includes the option to buy him next summer.

Wolves have held talks for the goalkeeper and they could provide strong competition in the race to sign Ramsdale.

So it seems that Saints are fighting on two fronts to get a keeper in before the window closes, but are they playing a risky game, the Bijlow deal seems to be a permanent transfer and from that perspective it could be the easiest to get done and dusted and the goalkeeping problem solved.

If they pursue the loan option for Ramsdale and lose out to Wolves, then they could find themselves struggling to get in a keeper in the final days of the window and if they fail to bring one in, then it could have repercussions on our chances of staying up this season.

So a big dilemma for Russell Martin and those tasked with getting a transfer ove the line, do they stick with the pursuit of Bijlow or twist and keep hedging our bets.


What to read next:

Will Saints Be Cast Adrift At The Bottom Before They Kick A Ball This Weekend
The Premier League table does not make good viewing unless you turn it upside down, Southampton are rock bottom 2 points adrift from the team above and 4 points off Ipswich 4th from bottom, so will that gap be worse before we kick off on Sunday.
Southampton V Liverpool The Preview
Usually the visit of Liverpool to The Dell & St Mary's was something that Saints fans looked forward to in the calendar, it was a game that often threw up a shock result for the home side, but as we go into the latest clash with the Merseyside men, there seems little hope of that this year.
Return Dates Set For Injured Southampton Duo Ramsdale And Bednarek
If you thought that things couldn't get worse for Russell Martin after the defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers, then think again, injuries to two key players in the past fortnight have added to his woes.
Do Southampton Need To Recall Bella-Kotchap For Liverpool Clash
With Jan Bednarek seemingly set to miss his first Premier League game of the season, Saints are struggling for central defenders to take on the League leaders Liverpool at St Mary's, is it time to bring in a player out of the cold.
Does Shea Charles Prove That Russell Martin's Player Judgement is Flawed
There has been a lot of words typed on the internet about Russell Martin and his tactics, but is this just the reason as to why we are doing badly in the Premier League, last season there was a clear evidence that his player selection is not what it should be.
Central Defensive Injury Blow For Southampton
If the next few weeks were going to be tough with the potential absence of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, then they are now getting much worse with the news that a central defender has been injured in International duty over the weekend.
England England's Number 16
It was a dream England debut for Southampton's Taylor Harwood-Bellis, in front of his future Father in law ex Manchester United & Republic of Ireland legend Roy Keane, not only scoring but also nearly getting an assist.
Nick's Saints Saints Away Travel Lay On 6th Coach For Brighton
Brighton away was the first fixture Southampton fans looked for when they came out back in June so there was great disappointment when the game was switched to a Friday night as it means it's virtually impossible to get back on the train.
Saints Not Afraid Of Sacking Russell Martin Even If They Have To Pay
Recent reports have suggested that Southampton have not dispensed with the services of Russell Martin due to the alleged £12 million compensation cost. However it is now suggested that this is not the case and that if they do lose faith they are willing to pay the price.
Southampton Settle Russell Martin Compensation With Swansea City
Its dragged on a bit, but Saints have finally sorted out the compensation package with the Swans for Russell Martin's switch from South Wales to the South Coast, although the details of the settlement are rather vague.