Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has confirmed that Aaron Ramsdale remains part of the club's plans despite slipping to fourth choice in the goalkeeper pecking order, insisting the 28-year-old will continue to "support the team" in his current role.

Ramsdale joined Southampton from Arsenal in the summer of 2024, having spent his final season at Emirates Stadium as understudy to Spanish international David Raya. He went on to make 30 Premier League appearances during a difficult 2024-25 campaign that ended in relegation for Saints.

A loan spell at Newcastle followed, with Ramsdale featuring 23 times under Eddie Howe before returning to Southampton this summer. The club remain in the Championship after being removed from last season's play-off final in the wake of the Spygate scandal.

Eckert's honest conversations with Ramsdale

Eckert revealed on BBC Radio Solent that he has maintained transparent communication with the experienced goalkeeper since the beginning of pre-season. Having failed to secure a transfer away from St Mary's before the window closed, Ramsdale — who has represented England and competed in the UEFA Champions League — is set to stay at the club until at least January.

"The reality is that Rambo's story at the football club has started before I came in. We've had honest conversations from the very first day of pre-season to the last day of the transfer window and he's still a part of the group. The expectations for him are clear to support the team in the best way and he's been very professional in doing that so far," Eckert told BBC Radio Solent.

Ramsdale has been turning out for Southampton's under-21 side this season — a decision Eckert says the goalkeeper himself requested. The head coach also noted that Ramsdale recently became a father for the second time, adding that his expectation is for the stopper to remain a Southampton player.

Peretz installed as undisputed number one

Southampton moved to sign Daniel Peretz permanently over the summer, following an impressive loan spell in the second half of last season. The former Bayern Munich and Hamburg goalkeeper cost a reported £6 million and Eckert has made clear his commitment to the Israeli shot-stopper as first choice.

"Me and the club have made a clear commitment to Daniel as our number one and that stands. I think he deserves that off the back of some brilliant performances in the last season," Eckert said.

George Long has been reaffirmed as second choice, while veteran 37-year-old Jamie Jones rejoined the club on transfer deadline day and will serve as the training goalkeeper — mirroring the arrangement that worked well for Southampton last season.