Aaron Ramsdale is on track to hold a Newcastle United kit even though Saints were counting the days for this eventual breakthrough to arrive.
Southampton fans would have been wondering who would take Jan Bednarek's vice-captain role but in no time, the question has grown even bigger. Without the former, Aaron Ramsdale would have likely been the deputy leader as he even led the Saints lineup sometimes. But now, that idea has been thrown out of the window.
The only contrast? Bednarek's transfer was both a sudden development and was wrapped within hours, while Ramsdale's one had the Southampton faithful informed at every step. And fortunately, the expected Newcastle United response has arrived again due to their same £27m James Trafford shortcomings.
In their own words, Sky Sports wrote: "Newcastle are in talks with Southampton over a move for goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale."
Ramsdale and Newcastle will both be relieved if transfer completes
Honestly, Ramsdale should be thanking Newcastle for eventually stepping up their chase but even the Magpies needed a string of misfortunes to show this much urgency. Because truth be told, Newcastle's pre-season has unraveled quite dreadfully like Southampton's 24/25 Premier League nightmare.
Eddie Howe's side may be equipped with a clinical striker far better than Southampton's but that upper hand is swiftly wearing off. Also, the Saints have only lost their first friendly until now but Newcastle have tasted defeat twice, including yesterday's harsh one from Arsenal.
As such, lurking in for a key man behind Arsenal's domestic rise shows Ramsdale isn't the only one pleading for this agreement. And it's bizarre to notice but Newcastle and Ramsdale can then welcome Arsenal at their home turf exactly two months from today, planning to teach them a Premier League lesson.
That will be one unmissable game, for sure. But the tables don't take longer to flip again, so, let's not celebrate the Ramsdale update just yet.