Russell Martin to raid Southampton for star on ‘huge money’, Rangers will be one to ‘keep an eye on’

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Southampton are poised for several high-profile departures this summer, and EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal that former boss Russell Martin could impact proceedings.

Southampton will be hunting for an automatic promotion back to the Premier League within the 2025/26 Championship campaign.

In the wake of the Saints’ relegation, Will Still was appointed by Southampton to spearhead the club’s second tier season, and has had a busy first few weeks in the role with the ongoing summer transfer window.

Most notably, the Southampton headlines this summer have been entangled with departures. Veteran Kyle Walker-Peters has departed Southampton, and the defender has a “lot of options” this summer with his next move.

In addition to Walker-Peters, Aaron Ramsdale’s future is becoming clearer this summer, and now EFL Analysis can reveal the plethora of teams targeting the Saints’ shot-stopper.

• READ MORE: Five Southampton summer signings Will Still must make, including ‘tremendous’ Premier League starlet

Rangers and several Premier League sides target Southampton star Aaron Ramsdale

Following the Saints’ Championship relegation, Ramsdale was always likely to leave Southampton this summer, with a handful of top flight sides targeting the shot-stopper alongside Rangers.

Southampton are facing a £100m problem this summer due to their wage bill from last season.

Given that the England international tops the highest-paid Championship players list currently with a reported £120k-per-week salary, the Saints hierarchy are looking to shift Ramsdale off the wage bill.

As a result, Southampton have decided on the goalkeeper’s future.

EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal through information from our Chief Football Correspondent, Graeme Bailey former Southampton boss Russell Martin could be set to raid his former employers.

Bailey revealed: “Southampton will allow him to go on loan. He’s on huge money. Rangers are one to keep an eye on there. Russell Martin would like him at Ibrox.

“I think that could be an interesting move for him, to be honest. But let’s see where Newcastle get with James Trafford. If they don’t manage to do that deal, do they come for him? We know that Eddie Howe quite likes Ramsdale, so I wouldn’t rule them out.

“We could see Wolves quite possibly becoming an option if Jose Sa leaves. There are still a few options out there. Leeds United, we know is an option, as well.

“There are a handful of clubs who like Ramsdale, and he’s on big money but the fact that Southampton are willing to loan him – obviously with an option to buy – I think does help.

“Ramsdale will be leaving and not necessarily for the Premier League. Rangers should be the ones to really keep an eye on.”

Whichever suitor secures Ramsdale’s services this summer will be hoping the Englishman can rediscover his form in between the sticks.

• READ MORE: Southampton star has a big point to prove in 2025/26 Championship, he can shine under Will Still

Russell Martin will be hoping that Aaron Ramsdale rediscovers his best form

Former Saints boss Martin was appointed by Rangers despite agreeing terms with Leicester City earlier in the summer, and has wasted no time plotting summer signings from the Championship.

Ironically, Martin is poised to rub salt in the Foxes’ wounds as Rangers are set to sign Conor Coady, and now the Scotsman could bring Coady’s countryman Ramsdale to Ibrox with him this summer.

However, whether it is Rangers that Ramsdale signs for, or another of the several Premier League sides targeting him, his suitors will be hoping to see an improvement on his form last term.

In the 2024/25 Premier League, Ramsdale conceded 66 goals in just 30 outings, managing only three clean sheets.

Southampton’s relegation was the third of 27-year-old Ramsdale’s career, after he suffered a similar fate with Bournemouth in 2020 and Sheffield United in 2021.

In terms of Southampton next season, Stoke City goalkeeper Viktor Johansson could be Ramsdale’s replacement, if he does indeed depart for Rangers.