Sheffield United confirmed the signing of 22-year old goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from Bournemouth. The England U21 international signed a four-year-long contract, keeping him at Bramall Lane till 2024.
Ramsdale was one of the breakout stars of the Premier League last season. Last season, the shot-stopper was one of the bright spots in an underperforming Cherries side.
The Blades were on the search for a new goalkeeper following Dean Henderson‘s return to Manchester United. Aaron Ramsdale is expected to straight away slot into the first choice goalkeeper role at Bramall Lane.
In a porous Bournemouth defence, the 22-year-old made an incredible 129 saves, despite conceding 62 goals. He even had a penalty save and contributed an assist in the Premier League.
Now, apart from his impressive stats, here are a few factors why the Blades decided to sign the 22-year-old.
Why Was Ramsdale Bought as the New Sheffield United Goalkeeper?
Arron Ramsdale is Still Young
One of the biggest advantages of signing Aaron Ramsdale is his age. Now, goalkeepers tend to have long careers compared to the outfield players. Many of the shot-stoppers have played well into their late 30s. Taking this into account, at 22, Ramsdale is a youngster, or a newbie, in the eyes of a goalkeeper.
The goalkeeper, along with Dean Henderson, was one of the youngest first-choice keepers in the Premier League last season. And with probably a long career ahead of him, Ramsdale could be the Blades first choice for many years to come.
Sheffield United Academy Graduate
Any new player will need time to adjust to his new surroundings, but not so much for Ramsdale. The custodian is a Sheffield United academy graduate. The 22-year-old joined the Blades academy in 2013 at the age of 15. He rose through the rankings and featured in the youth teams, but failed to break into the first-team.
After three years in the academy, the Blades sold the promising keeper to Bournemouth for around one million pounds. Now, after three years since leaving, Ramsdale will be back in familiar surroundings. His experience of having worked under Chris Wilder is also another advantage for the Blades.
Ramsdale Has Premier League Experience
Like any new outfield players, goalkeepers also tend to have a rough patch after making a move to the Premier League. Just look at David de Gea – the Spanish international had a horrendous debut season before turning into one of Premier League’s greatest shot-stoppers.
Aaron Ramsdale has already had a full season in the Premier League and is now familiar with the toughness of the league. The goalkeeper was on the bench for the Cherries in their last Premier League match during the 2017/18 season.
After loan spells at Chesterfield and AFC Wimbledon, Ramsdale became the first choice keeper for the Cherries just last season. The 22-year old was one of the positives in a forgetful season for Bournemouth.
He started 37 of the 38 league matches for Bournemouth in his debut season. Comparing it with the existing Blades keepers reveals that it’s 35 more than the combined career appearance of the present keepers.
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