It’s now official: Pepe has left Real Madrid for Turkish club Bestikas. Pepe had a rough breakup with Madrid, but left behind a stellar legacy.
Well, we knew this was coming. Pepe made his breakup with Real Madrid public weeks ago. Real Madrid were not willing to give Pepe more than a one-year contract extension, so he decided to take his talents elsewhere. At that time, the ultimate destination for the Portuguese defender was still unknown.
But now, the transfer papers have been signed, the medicals passed, and press photos in the team kit have been widely distributed. Pepe is officially a Besiktas player.
DONE DEAL: @Besiktas have confirmed the signing of Pepe on a free transfer after he left Real Madrid at the end of the season. pic.twitter.com/6CEa0AQrbt
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) July 4, 2017
Because Real Madrid were unwilling to negotiate a contract negotiation (at least on Pepe’s terms), Pepe’s transfer didn’t cost Besiktas anything. Getting a player of Pepe’s quality for free is a pretty savvy deal, although I imagine Pepe had some pretty serious salary demands.
Pepe leaves Real Madrid with an impressive resumé, having won 13 trophies over the course of his 10 seasons at the club.
It’s sad to see Pepe go. At one time, Pepe was one of the most widely hated players in La Liga, due to his time as Jose Mourinho’s on-pitch hit-man. In recent years, Pepe cleaned up his act, and earned a reputation as a shockingly disciplined defender.
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In the run-up to the 2016-2017 Champion’s League trophy, Pepe was monumental at the back for Madrid. Madrid’s run to the final that year was defined by an uncharacteristic defensive stability, bolstered by the pairing of Pepe and Ramos.
He was also one of Portugal’s best players during their victory in the 2016 Euro tournament. In the final of that tournament, Pepe managed to earn the man of the match honors.
Nevertheless, it is ultimately good that Madrid have decided to move on from Pepe. With Pepe finally gone, Varane can now finally assume the role of first-choice center-back alongside Sergio Ramos. Varane needs to fully take on the role of leader in this squad, and it has long seemed as if he was living in the shadows of the elder Portuguese defender.
The move also frees up some space on the depth charts for our incoming defender, Jesus Vallejo, and for Nacho, if Madrid manages to fend off interest in his signature from AS Roma.
Next: Marcos Llorente will join Real Madrid next season