Aberdeen defender Calvin Ramsay has been liked with a number of Premier League clubs, including Everton, West Ham and Leicester City – but Pittodrie legend Joe Harper has warned the teenager he’d be best served staying at Pittodrie for another “year or two” after his “meteoric rise.”
Everton boss Rafa Benitez had Ramsay watched when the Dons faced Motherwell as he considers a move for the 18-year-old and Harper thinks his development will be best served by staying in the Granite City and continue to rack up first-team experience.
Ramsay in action against BK Hacken (Photo by Scott Baxter/Getty Images)
While Harper thinks the Scotland youth international should stick around at Pittodrie, he concedes that it is isn’t a surprise to see such interest in Ramsay, with the dons legend hoping he doesn’t have his head turned by the prospect of a life-changing move to England.
“It is no surprise English Premier League clubs are being linked to the 18-year-old,” Harper said [Evening Express].
“Ramsay has been superb this season and the signs are that he is on an upwards trajectory where the right-back will only get better and better.
“Dangerous on the attack with a superb delivery and solid in defence is a combination that will be attractive to clubs south of the border.
“Everton boss Rafa Benitez’ sent a scout to watch Ramsay in the 2-0 loss to Motherwell and is reportedly keen on moving for the Aberdeen Youth Academy graduate. There are reports that other English top flight clubs such as Leicester City, West Ham and Southampton are also monitoring the teen.
“My advice to Ramsay would be to stay at Aberdeen for another year or two to rack up the starts before any move down south. Ultimately though it all hinges on what Aberdeen want to do with Ramsay because he is contracted to the club until summer 2024.
“If the Dons’ board get the right bid in the January transfer window or next summer will they let him go or will they want him to stay for a couple more years to get more experience?
“Should Ramsay stay and continue to improve and impress he could be worth even more in transfer fees and will also have helped Aberdeen go for success on the pitch for a season or two.It is important Ramsay does not become distracted by the speculation linking him to English top flight clubs.
HALEWOOD, ENGLAND – JUNE 30 (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Rafael Benitez poses for a photo with Duncan Ferguson (L) after becoming manager of Everton on June 30 2021 in Halewood, England. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
“Obviously it will be exciting for a young talent who only broke into the first team in March this year. It has been a meteoric rise – but he must keep his feet firmly on the ground.”
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