Southampton Football Club has unveiled its latest summer signing, Aaron Ramsdale, who made a dramatic entrance dressed as Hagrid from the Harry Potter movies.
In a hilarious display, the former Arsenal goalkeeper was spotted wearing a Hagrid costume during Southampton’s play-off final victory against Leeds last season. This peculiar tradition is part of a close friendship with winger David Brooks, where they attend games at Wembley Stadium in fancy dress.
Ramsdale has joined the south coast club in an initial £18 million deal, with an additional £7 million in add-ons. The 26-year-old has agreed to a four-year contract, with the option to extend it by an additional 12 months.
Aaron Ramsdale was unveiled as a Southampton player while wearing a Hagrid outfit
The goalkeeper revealed that he and his friends, who are all footballers, have a tradition of attending games at Wembley Stadium in fancy dress. They have done this twice before, watching Harvey Gilmore play for Tranmere and Halifax.
Ramsdale’s move to Southampton marks the end of his three-year stay at Arsenal, where he made 89 appearances for the north London club. However, he struggled to get playing time last season, making only 11 appearances in all competitions.
On Friday, the ex-Arsenal goalkeeper signed for Saints in a £25million contract, joining for four years
Ramsdale expressed his excitement about joining Southampton, stating, “I’m absolutely delighted.” He praised the manager’s enthusiasm and ambition, saying it made him feel “eight feet tall.”
The goalkeeper also spoke about his desire to get back to playing football, saying, “I’ve had the feeling of sitting on the bench and I don’t want to do that again. Playing football, winning games of football, even getting draws away from home against big opposition or when your back’s against the wall.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta thanked Ramsdale for his contributions to the club, praising his energy and charisma. He expressed happiness for Ramsdale, saying, “He looked really happy and excited the other day and he’s joining a great club with a great coach.”