As the West Ham United supporters spend another summer twiddling their thumbs and tapping their feet, the Rangers faithful north of the border are waiting with baited breath to find out if their new owners’ bite is as strong as their bark.
After helping Leeds United secure their return to the Premier League, the San Francisco 49ers now have their sights firmly fixed on restoring another sleeping giant of British football back to former glories.
And while the new vice-chairman of Ibrox Paraag Marathe was unwilling to provide too revealing a peak behind the proverbial curtain, he did suggest that there may be some ‘surprises’ in store for a Rangers fanbase desperate to see their ambition as supporters matched by those in the boardroom.
South of Hadrian’s Wall, the West Ham United faithful can only dream of such promise.
Because, while a club source told Hammers News last week that ‘anything can happen’ in the transfer market, the consistent message coming out of the London Stadium is that West Ham plan to sell before they buy this summer.
So, nearly a month after West Ham spoke to Aaron Ramsdale’s representatives, the lack of movement on a potential £25 million deal can partly be explained by the lack of immediate funds at Graham Potter’s disposal.
West Ham United target Aaron Ramsdale sees Rangers transfer talked up by Darren Bent
Now, according to reports, Rangers may look to snatch the Southampton glovesman from under West Ham’s nose while displaying the kind of aggression and ambition many of a claret and blue persuasion have long been demanding.
American investment certainly boosts Rangers’ coffers, but how considerably remains to be seen.
Ramsdale has a £25 million relegation clause in his contract. Furthermore, per TalkSPORT, it is understood that he takes home more than £100,000-a-week at St Mary’s. New owners or no new owners, it is hard to imagine Rangers financing anything other than a short-term loan deal, with Southampton responsible for a hefty portion of those weekly wages.
Yet, former England striker Darren Bent feels that if a compromise can be reached, a bona fide powerhouse of a club, one capable of offering European football, may be an option which suits Ramsdale down to the ground.
“I like Rambo. Good goalkeeper,” says Bent, an Arsenal fan who watched Ramsdale stand out during his early days at the Emirates while earning a spot in the 2022/23 Premier League Team of the Season.
“He came in and he was exceptional that first season. He was good up until David Raya came in. But if you remember some of the saves he made – Anfield, 2-2 [Ramsdale denying both Mo Salah and Ibrahima Konate a winner with two stunning stops] – I think he’s a top quality goalkeeper.
“I still think he can play in the Premier League. He just needs to get back playing in top level football. we don’t know what’s going on with Emi Martinez at Aston Villa. If he goes, there’s no reason why he can’t go to Villa and play.
“[But Rangers] is a huge football club. What he won’t want to do is go to a club that could go down again, so don’t do that.
“Rangers, that would be incredible for him. What a move that would be.”
Southampton owner Dragan Solak hints at Ramsdale loan
Darren Bent talked up a move to West Ham for Aaron Ramsdale a few weeks ago, labelling the former Sheffield United and Bournemouth man an upgrade on Alphonse Areola.
However, as Areola misses out on a return to La Liga with Espanyol, supporters are still awaiting some much-needed movement in the goalkeeping department.
Southampton owner Dragon Solak, meanwhile, admits that Ramsdale is looking for a route out of St Mary’s with a season-long loan deal a potential solution. Not one West Ham will be too keen on, of course, but a prospect which opens the window slightly for Rangers.
“We unfortunately are not sure that Ramsdale is going to stay, even though he loves the club,” Solak told The Echo late last week.
“He’s even personally looking at all the options of how he would go and come back if we are promoted, because he loves the place and he loves the club.”
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