Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert says Aaron Ramsdale still has a role at the club to "support the team" despite becoming their fourth-choice goalkeeper. The 28-year-old moved from Arsenal to Saints in 2024, made 30 Premier League appearances in a relegated campaign, then spent last season on loan at Newcastle with 23 games under Eddie Howe. He returned over the summer but has been playing for the under-21s.

Eckert told BBC Radio Solent: "The reality is that Rambo's story at the football club has started before I came in. We've had honest conversations from the very first day of pre-season to the last day of the transfer window and he's still a part of the group." He added that Ramsdale has been professional and remains a Southampton player, noting the goalkeeper recently became a father for the second time.

Saints' first choice is Daniel Peretz, signed permanently for a reported £6m after a successful loan. Eckert reaffirmed his backing of George Long as number two and mentioned 37-year-old Jamie Jones returning on deadline day as the training goalkeeper. "Me and the club have made a clear commitment to Daniel as our number one and that stands," he said.