Southampton have their sights set on the Premier League, and Tonda Eckert will be largely pleased with the side he has been able to create at St Mary's, though one obvious January exit surely awaits.

Southampton look like automatic promotion candidates in the early stages of the 2026/27 campaign, climbing their way back from negative points and into the play-off picture with less than a quarter of the season gone.

All of the controversy and outside noise following the fallout of the now-infamous spygate scandal has been blocked out by German head coach Tonda Eckert, who has got on with his job and then some.

The Saints confirmed the additions of Daniel Peretz and George Long on permanent deals over the summer after impressive loan spells, as whilst Gavin Bazunu understood the message and moved on to Bolton Wanderers, one familiar face stuck around to the benefit of nobody.

Aaron Ramsdale is out of favour at Southampton and could leave the club in January

28-year-old goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has had a far from straightforward career. Coming through the ranks of Sheffield United before spells with Chesterfield, Bournemouth, the Blades (again), Arsenal, Southampton, and Newcastle United, the Englishman has rarely stuck around anywhere for long, not to his choice.

With four relegations on his CV, Ramsdale spent the 2025/26 season out on loan with Newcastle United, battling Nick Pope for a place in between the sticks as Eddie Howe's number one, as the Magpies turned down the option to purchase him permanently.

Ramsdale cost the Saints around £25 million back in the summer of 2024 when they signed him from Arsenal, but just two years later, he finds himself out of plans in the Championship and on a hefty contract.

A loan exit is probably the most likely avenue of departure this January, as Football League World takes a look at two Championship clubs that should try to tempt Ramsdale into a loan switch this winter.

Norwich City

Norwich City have endured a dreadful start to the 2026/27 Championship campaign, winning just three of their opening 11 games and losing the rest, with only Preston North End having conceded more than the Canaries at this stage.

Philippe Clement now finds himself in a similar situation to what his predecessor Liam Manning did before he took charge; if he is unable to turn the tide at Carrow Road sooner rather than later, the Belgian could well be without a job.

Bosnian shot-stopper Vladan Kovacevic has not been up to scratch in the opening stages of this season, as according to FotMob, the 28-year-old has allowed 4.7 more goals than expected - the worst record in the division.

Daniel Grimshaw stepped in over the last couple of games with little success, as a new safe pair of hands ought to be on the cards come January, whether Clement is at the club or not, and Ramsdale could be an excellent fit.

With nearly 200 Premier League games under his belt, the Englishman possesses immense pedigree despite his recent struggles, and may feel as though he has a point to prove to his doubters.

If he can perform to a high level in the Championship, it would not only remind everyone of his capability as a goalkeeper, but also of his ability to bounce back from a difficult situation, as Norwich should look to provide Ramsdale with a winter escape route in a move that could be beneficial for all parties.

Where do you think Aaron Ramsdale should go in January? Would you like to see him at your club? Share your thoughts below!

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolverhampton Wanderers, following relegation from the Premier League last season, will be looking to ensure their time in the Championship is as short-lived as possible, and whilst the Old Gold have shown some encouraging signs under Cesar Peixoto, there are some obvious areas of improvement.

If Wolves are to seriously challenge for the league title this season, then a solid pair of hands between the sticks is a necessity, and so far, Portuguese goalkeeper Jose Sa has not displayed that he is that.

According to FotMob, the 33-year-old has allowed in 3.88 more goals than expected at this stage, which, for a team meant to be fighting for automatic promotion, simply isn't good enough.

A drastic improvement from Sa is needed quickly; otherwise, Wolves mustn't hesitate to bring in a fresh pair of gloves to the club in the winter, and Ramsdale could be the perfect fit.

On a loan, Wolves would have no obligation to buy the shot-stopper unless that was included in any deal that saw him head to Molineux, and in any case, that obligation would likely only be triggered upon promotion, where, at that stage, it would be worth it.

With ample experience in the top flight and still only 28, Ramsdale would surely relish the opportunity to step into a side fighting for promotion, as Wolves must look to make this deal happen.