As Leeds United dropped yet more points at Luton Town, much of the pre and post-match discussion centred on a man not even selected for Daniel Farke’s starting XI.
If Swansea City’s 96th minute equaliser at Elland Road seven minutes prior was one of those which feels slightly harsh to pin on the goalkeeper alone, there was certainly no place for Illan Meslier to hide as he dropped the ball at the feet of a grateful Harry Darling earlier in proceedings.
One mistake too many, as far as Farke was concerned.
Having started every one of Leeds United’s previous 39 Championship fixtures, Karl Darlow took Meslier’s place on matchday number 40.
The veteran Darlow was ‘solid’ enough at Kenilworth Road. But it goes without saying that Leeds did not plan on relying upon a 34-year-old back-up heading into the final six make or break games of a season which could still end in either jubilation or heartbreak.
Though while Leeds’ fate is still very much up in the air, that same cannot be said of Southampton and Aaron Ramsdale.
Southampton’s relegation means Leeds United can sign Aaron Ramsdale for £25 million
On Sunday, as Southampton lost 3-1 away to Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur, The Saints became the first team in Premier League history to be relegated with only 31 games played.
Two wins, ten points, and 74 goals conceded, if former Bournemouth glovesman Ramsdale felt that a return to the South Coast was the change his career needed after losing his place at Arsenal then it’s fair to say things have not gone to plan.
The good news, for Ramsdale at least, is that he already has his life raft ready and waiting as the water in a sinking Southampton vessel reaches head height.
TBR Football have already reported, via football correspondent Graeme Bailey, that Leeds could look to rescue Aaron Ramsdale from a season in the Championship should they swap places with Southampton.
The England international’s camp had the foresight to include a £25 million release clause in his Saints contract last summer.
A clause which, as of the final whistle at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, can now be activated.
Whether Leeds plan on doing just that remains to be seen. £25 million would likely see Ramsdale emerge as one of the club’s more expensive options. But, on the other hand, £25 million for a proven Premier League goalkeeper with England caps on his CV feels like very good value.
Ramsdale has plenty to offer but Bournemouth return may be most likely
Ramsdale was part of the division’s official Team of the Year in 2023, lest we forget. And it would be harsh in the extreme to say that he is the reason why Southampton have conceded a staggering 74 goals.
Watching Ramsdale, behind a dreadful Saints backline, gives the impression of a lone survivor desperately attempting to ward off a zombie horde with his bare hands.
Ramsdale’s impressive distribution fits Daniel Farke’s tactical model nicely, too.
Though, while the similarly Leeds-linked Chelsea loanee Djordje Petrovic opens the door to staying at Strasbourg rather than return to the UK, the aforementioned Bailey has a feeling that Ramsdale will be back in familiar surroundings before long.
“Ramsdale will have options, so we’ll see,” Bailey exclusively tells Leeds United News. “He lives in Bournemouth, and Kepa won’t be staying.
“For the moment, he will be going back to Chelsea.”
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