Why Leeds United should make a move for Aaron Ramsdale
As per Football Insider (h/t The Express), Leeds United are interested in signing Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in the summer.
Ramsdale, 21, 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.
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 games this term and has kept 4 clean sheets.
Meanwhile, Leeds are atop the Championship table hoping for automatic qualification to the top tier. Marcelo Bielsa has done a brilliant job in taking his team to the top and has also changed the dynamics of the club.
Their attacking unit has been excellent, scoring 56 goals so far, and the backline, which consists of Ben White, Liam Cooper and Gaetano Berardi has conceded only 30 goals, which is the best defensive record in the Championship.
Goalkeeper Kiko Casilla has been the go-to man in between the sticks for the Whites and has kept 15 clean sheets in 35 games, conceding only 30 goals. However, the Spaniard is already 33 and is contracted to the club only until 2023.
Other goalkeepers in the likes of Illan Meslier, Will Huffer and Elia Caprile aren’t experienced enough to be depended upon for a whole season. Therefore, the manager should make a move for a shot-stopper with experience in the top flight.
In that case, 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 and produced his best displays in both the league games against Frank Lampard’s Chelsea side. He would be a good addition to Leeds if he can reproduce the same form.
Ramsdale is young and has a lot of room for development. His inclusion in the squad would also bring in a healthy competition within the team as well.
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Verdict
Though Leeds have several shot-stoppers in their ranks, they need to find a replacement for the ageing Casilla. And the English U21 international can be his successor once the Spaniard is deemed surplus to the team and rested. He would certainly bring in his qualities to the squad and can represent them in the long run.
Therefore, the Whites should make a move for Ramsdale and add him to bolster their goalkeeping squad.
