‘Final nail in the coffin… he’s cursed’ – Fans think West Ham destined to be relegated as top transfer target revealed
WEST HAM are weighing up a move for Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale as Graham Potter prepares a summer overhaul.
Ramsdale, 26, is expected to leave Saints after just one year following their swift return to the Championship – and has a relegation release clause of around £18million.
But many Hammers fans reacted with shock – because the “cursed” keeper has just suffered his THIRD demotion from the top flight.
The former Arsenal man moved to the south coast late last summer in an £18m deal which could have risen to £25m.
But with Saints relegated, the England ace will be looking to remain in the Premier League while the club will want to recoup every penny they can.
Ramsdale is unlikely to be short of suitors, with Newcastle also linked.
He made 37 appearances under Toon boss Eddie Howe on loan with Bournemouth, but endured the drop, then saw the same fate befall him at parent club Sheffield United the following year.
One fan claimed on X: “That’s the nail in West Ham’s coffin. Ramsdale is a curse.”
Another labelled Ramsdale “The Relegator Mark II” and a third posted: “If we want to guarantee relegation then go ahead.”
A fourth joked: “I’m actually excited to see West Ham do well in the Championship in 2 years.”
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But there were more balanced opinions too, such as: “I think he is a good keeper but we can do better.”
Hammers boss Potter, 49, wants to bring in a new spine at the London Stadium this summer.
The ex-Chelsea manager started with Lukasz Fabianski as his first-choice keeper but has since reinstalled Frenchman Alphonse Areola as No1.
Fabianski is out of contract this summer but the club hold a one-year option to extend his deal while Areola is under contract until 2027.
Ramsdale would only be interested in the move, and West Ham would only fork out £18m, if he were to be first choice.
That means one of either Fabianski or Areola would have to depart for the deal to happen – with Areola being the more likely given his resale value.
Potter is also keen to add a defender, central midfielder and striker this summer.
But the Hammers may be forced to sell before they buy in order to satisfy financial rules.
Ramsdale will be one of a number of players to leave Saints following their drop.
Kyle Walker-Peters is out of contract and will depart, while Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who scored on his England debut this season, has moved agents and is keen to remain in the Prem.