At the start of the week it looked like we were going Dutch for a keeper, but by the end of it Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale is a Saint only 3 months after cheering the club on to victory in the Championship play off at Wembley.
It's been a tense couple of days for Southampton supporters after the deal for Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow fell through at the 11th hour after he failed his medical.
But it seems that Sport Republic have proved their commitment and some of their critics wrong, by investing heavily in a proven Premier League keeper.
It was not plain sailing though with Arsenal refusing to sign off the deal till they had signed a replacement and their initial target from Spain fell through, meaning they had a scramble to get Bournemouth keeper Neto over the line.
That has now been done and it has been confirmed by southamptonfc.com that Aaron Ramsdale is now a fully signed up member of the Saints squad.
The 26 year old has extensive experience in the Premier League and was named in the PFA Premier League team of the year for 2022/23, but in the following season it all went wrong as Arsenal signed a replacement and he spent most of last season on loan.
But with 5 England caps to his name and a member of the current squad he is a real coup for the club.
Southampton manager Russell Martin said:
"I’m delighted. Bringing in a player like Aaron is a real statement signing for us, so I’m very grateful to ownership and the board for making it happen, especially as so many other clubs were keen to get him.
"Aaron is obviously a very talented goalkeeper, but also an impressive all-round football player, which is clearly important for us with the way we play.
"His reputation speaks for itself, he brings great experience even at what is still a relatively young age at his position and he’s a fantastic character too, who I think will be a wonderful addition for us both on the pitch and in the dressing room.
"I’m really delighted with the goalkeeper group we have moving forward, who I’m sure will all drive each other on. Alex McCarthy has been huge for us and was such a big part of getting us back to the Premier League, and Joe Lumley is another player with great experience and quality. Gavin Bazunu has a tremendous future too, but with his injury and Mateusz Lis moving to Göztepe it was important we added another player and we couldn’t have asked for anyone better than Aaron.”
Aaron Ramsdale himself had this to say:
"I’m absolutely delighted. The way the manager wants to play, the way he was when I spoke to him, he was just full of so much enthusiasm. I’d never met him before, but he made me feel about eight feet tall, which is just what you want.
"Coming back down to the south coast as well for me and my family, it would be an easier transition than most, so I feel like I can hit the ground running.
"I’m looking forward to this year, just getting back to what I do best and having a big smile on my face while doing it here.”
The first good news of the day for Saints supporters.