'I'm home' - Aaron Ramsdale's delight after rejoining Sheffield United from AFC Bournemouth
Ramsdale, who was sold by Chris Wilder when the Blades boss initially took over at Bramall Lane, has rejoined on a four-year contract.
The 22-year-old was identified as Wilder’s number one target over the summer as it became increasingly clear that bringing Dean Henderson back again on loan from Manchester United was not a viable option.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdRamsdale managed to make himself the first choice keeper at Bournemouth last season, starting for the first time against the Blades on the opening day.
He was unable to prevent the Cherries from being relegated but his performances were good enough for there to be talk of a future England call-up.
The Stoke-born stopper joins on what is described as a substantial undisclosed fee.
He told sufc.co.uk: "I'm very fortunate to be able to come back to a place I call home and I'm just excited to get going, see the lads I left behind and meet the new ones now in the team. I'm delighted, it wasn't an easy decision to leave Bournemouth, but when a club comes in for you, shows that faith it has and is willing to pay this sort of money then obviously I've got to do a lot to repay it, but my smile has been ear-to-ear since I walked back through the door."
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBoss Wilder added: “The goalkeeping situation is something we have to make sure we get right.
"This is not about Dean (Henderson), it's about bringing Aaron in, but Dean was outstanding for us for two years. We know a lot about Aaron, we've watched him develop on loan at Chesterfield and then AFC Wimbledon and obviously we've watched him this season too.
"I'd like to thank the board for their backing given the situation. Aaron is certainly amongst the best young goalkeepers in this country and we are delighted to have him."
United signed another goalkeeper Wes Foderingham earlier in the close season, who will act as back-up to Ramsdale.