Southampton may have held back on their goalkeeper transfer plans in the summer if they had known Aaron Ramsdale was keen to stick around.
The former Sheffield United, Bournemouth and Arsenal shot-stopper, who has five England caps, returned to St Mary’s for pre-season following an underwhelming loan at Newcastle, and has seemingly not agitated for a departure.
The 28-year-old is of Premier League quality, but a series of bad moves has put his career in a poorer position than it could have been, ever since David Raya was signed by Mikel Arteta to replace him and push for the top-flight title.
Ramsdale will fight for his place, and a chance for the Englishman could have already arrived following an injury to Saints’ No.1 Daniel Peretz.
Peretz setback
Southampton permanently signed 26-year-old Daniel Peretz from Bayern Munich this summer following a successful loan move on the south coast in the back end of the 2026/27 season.
While Aaron Ramsdale remained, the signing of Peretz was honoured by the club, and Tonda Eckert made the call to keep the Israeli as his No.1, and returnee George Long as No.2.
However, it does not mean Ramsdale is completely without a chance. George Long is backup, but if Daniel Peretz fails to make the bench, Ramsdale can swap in.
During the international break, Daniel Peretz has pulled out of the Israel squad with a small groin issue. Initial reports from his homeland say he is expected to be out for 10 days and is a doubt for the upcoming South Coast derby. According to Daily Echo reporter Alfie House, Saints sources say it will be looked at, but it’s a ‘slight strain’ and nothing too serious.
🚨 Daniel Peretz has pulled out of Israel squad with small groin issue. Initial report from @sport5il states he is expected to be out for 10 days and is a doubt for Portsmouth; Saints sources say it will be looked at but it’s a ‘slight strain’ and nothing too serious.#SaintsFC
— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) October 1, 2026
A huge opportunity
It’s a moment that could prove to be a turning point for Aaron Ramsdale.
The 28-year-old is arguably still the strongest goalkeeper Southampton have, even with a fit Peretz, and may now get his maiden first-team minutes of the season.
A good performance in the derby against Portsmouth could see him state his claim for the No.1 shirt, following an underwhelming start to the season from Peretz, who has not started at the same heights as last campaign.
At the end of the day, the decision will come down to squad harmony, but if Peretz does miss out, Tonda Eckert will have a huge choice to make.
Southampton must prioritise winning the biggest game of their season. If that means Aaron Ramsdale returns to the fold, it must happen.
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