Sergio Ramos embarks on a new journey in his career after 16 long years of service at Real Madrid. The Spaniard will be remembered as a loyal servant, captain, warrior and inarguably the best ever defender to have worn the white jersey.
The centre-back’s departure seemed imminent after a certain point when his contract renewal negotiations with the board continued to stall. His departure is certainly a tough pill to swallow for all Madridistas, however, all good things in life come to an end at some point.
It’s only a matter of time before Sergio Ramos finds a new home and a club for the final years of his career. Let’s have a look at three clubs that could end up signing the world’s best defender on a free transfer this summer.
MANCHESTER UNITED
In 2015, when Real Madrid appointed Rafa Benitez as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor, there were strong rumours linking Sergio Ramos with a move to Old Trafford. BBC Sport even reported that Manchester United had a formal offer to the defender but negotiations fell through. The Red Devils have always admired Ramos, who in some shape is considered to be Nemjan Vidic’s successor at the club.
With the 35-year-old now available as a free agent, Manchester United will certainly make a move once again. The Red Devils can certainly offer Ramos a lucrative contract in comparison to the one he had in Madrid. Apart from that, the Spanish international is still at the top of his game making it easier for him to adjust to the Premier League.
Ole Gunnar Solskajer requires a thorough defender to partner with Harry Maguire next season as Victor Lindelof has not been the best partner to Maguire. Ramos ticks all the boxes for a centre-back and this time he’s even available for free. With that being said, a potential transfer to Old Trafford cannot be ruled out completely.
JUVENTUS
Yes, a move to Juventus this summer is very unlikely for Sergio Ramos, however, we still cannot rule out all possibilities. The Bianconeri currently have a stacked defence with Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgino Chiellini, Matthijs de Ligt and Merih Demiral.
Both De Ligt and Demiral are linked with an exit this summer, the former’s wages seem to be an issue for the club after incurring heavy losses during the pandemic whilst the latter could be sold for the right price.
If either or both are to leave Juventus this summer, the Old Lady of Turin could turn her attention towards Ramos. Everyone knows how much Juventus adores a free transfer and signing a player like Sergio Ramos is always beneficial.
A two-year deal or a three year deal with Juventus would be an ideal situation for both parties. The Spaniard would not struggle in settling down since he’d have Cristiano Ronaldo at his side along with Paulo Dybala and Rodrigo Bentancur who are Spanish speakers.
However, Ramos would have to accept a pay cut due to the club’s current financial struggle. With that being said, a move to Turin could be Ramos’ last option as he may receive better offers from other clubs.
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
Paris Saint-Germain could be considered as the favourite club to land Sergio Ramos. PSG can easily afford Ramos on their payroll and can also provide him with the contract that Real Madrid were against.
The Ligue 1 is one of the least physically demanding leagues in Europe and at the age of 35, Ramos can play out the final years of his career at a comparatively easier competition while earning a much better salary than he currently does.
Apart from that, PSG are also building an impressive project that Sergio Ramos would certainly want to be part of. The Spaniard already has a bigger trophy cabinet than most clubs in Europe do and he certainly wouldn’t mind adding a few more to his laurels.
Paris Saint-Germain are also eyeing a move for Raphael Varane which could also be another convincing factor for Ramos. He would also reunite with his former teammate Angel Di Maria and Keylor Navas with whom he shared a cordial relationship in the past.
Paris is also just an hour away from Madrid, making it easier for him and his family to continue with their professional lives, especially his wife Pilar Rubio who works as a Spanish TV presenter in Madrid.