AFC Bournemouth have beaten Everton to the signing of England youth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United.
The 18 year old has signed a four and a half year deal at AFC Bournemouth.
Despite just two appearances for Sheffield United, both coming in this seasons FA Cup against Leyton Orient and Bolton, Ramsdale has represented England at Under 18’s and Under 19’s.
According to the Sheffield Star, Ramsdale is ‘regarded by many as one of the most talented players to emerge from the Steelphalt Academy in recent seasons’.
Everton had an offer rejected from the League One club on Monday and had been expected to make a further approach, however a bid from AFC Bournemouth was later accepted.
BREAKING: #AFCB have completed the signing of 18 year old Sheff Utd goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. Fee understood to be 800k.
? BBC Solent Sport (@solentsport) 31 January 2017
The transfer is officially undisclosed, however BBC Radio Solent believe the fee to be £800,000, the Sheffield Star have reported that the fee ‘is in excess’ of £1million.
AFC Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake told afcb.co.uk…
‘We are delighted to bring Aaron Ramsdale to the club, Aaron is a young, very talented goalkeeper who has represented his country at a number of levels and has a very bright future in the game.
‘We believe AFC Bournemouth is the perfect place for him to develop and we look forward to welcoming him into the squad.’
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder told sufc.co.uk…
‘There’s been interest in Aaron for quite a while and despite rejecting smaller offers, this bid was too good to turn down. The bid exceeded the club’s valuation…’
‘…A number of discussions have taken place since the substantial bid was submitted and we felt agreeing to the sale is the best decision for the club in terms of the initial fee and the associated add-ons. Also, it is opportunity for Aaron that we cannot deny him and we wish him well for the future.’
Reserve goalkeeper @AaronRamsdale98 has joined @afcbournemouth for an undisclosed fee #twitterblades pic.twitter.com/BW9lEsMXyy
? Sheffield United (@SUFC_tweets) 31 January 2017
Your Say…
kirsikka wrote…
Welcome aboard. 6’2′ according to a quick online search.
I guess this means the end of the road for Rocky at the season end? Although with a name like that he’ll probably make a last-minute heroic comeback. – Join the conversation here.
It’s easy to join AFCB Vital
Sign up and have your say on the articles, polls and forums, just click the link to register.
