Aaron Ramsdale is England U21's first-choice goalkeeper (Getty Images)
As per Football Insider (h/t Yorkshire Evening Post), Leeds United are interested in signing Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in the summer.
The 21-year-old came through the ranks of Sheffield United’s youth system and moved to Bournemouth in January 2017. After struggling to find regular game time, he was sent on two different loan spells to Chesterfield FC and Wimbledon AFC, where he gained confidence.
Since his return to the South Coast, he has been the first-choice shot-stopper for the Cherries and has been impressive despite the club struggling in the relegation zone. He has featured in all but one league game this term and has kept 4 clean sheets.
Leeds’ attacking unit has been excellent, scoring 59 goals so far. The backline, which consists of Ben White, Liam Cooper and Gaetano Berardi, has conceded only 32 goals. This is the best defensive record in the Championship.
However, with the new season approaching, the manager needs to bring reinforcements to the squad in order to do better and progress.
Kiko Casilla has been the go-to man in goal for the Whites and has kept 15 clean sheets in 35 games, conceding only 30 goals. However, the Spaniard is already 33, reaching the rear end of his career. He has also been on the headlines for the wrong reasons, earning an 8-match suspension.
Other goalkeepers in the likes of Illan Meslier and Elia Caprile aren’t experienced and are young to be depended upon for a whole season. And Will Huffer has also left the club. Therefore, it would be wise of the manager to make a move for a shot-stopper with experience in the top-flight.
In that regard, Bournemouth’s Aaron Ramsdale would be a viable option for the Whites as he is in the form of his life and is also young and knows the conditions of the Premier League. The 21-year-old has been brilliant for the Cherries this season despite the club’s poor performance. He had produced his best displays in both the league games against Frank Lampard’ Chelsea’s side.
He would be a good addition to Leeds if he can reproduce the same form. He could go on to be a vital member in the future.
Ramsdale is young and has a lot of room for development. His inclusion in the squad could also bring in a healthy competition within the team. He has the ability to succeed at a higher level and with experience, he can stay at the top of his game.\
Though Leeds have several shot-stoppers in their ranks, they need to find a replacement for the ageing Casilla. And the English U21 international could be his successor. He would certainly bring in his qualities to the squad and can represent them in the long run. Thus, the Whites should manage to lure Ramsdale to Elland Road in the summer if they are promoted to the top-flight.
