The dreaded moment of Sergio Ramos leaving Real Madrid is finally here. The current club captain, and the symbol of Madridismo, is leaving the club of his life after an incredible tenure of 16 years. He is the greatest centre-back in the history of Real Madrid and is also seen as one of the best defenders of all time, if not the best.
Ramos has set the bar high at Real Madrid, and any player will find it difficult to play in his position and reach the level at which Ramos has played for Real Madrid. The club will definitely find it difficult to replace a legendary figure like him, who has made his mark as a leader as well.
The club does have possible replacements in Nacho and the newly arrived David Alaba, but it is difficult to see them playing as the left centre-back on a long-term basis, given that Alaba will turn 29 soon and Nacho is already 31. Considering Alaba’s astronomical wages, one could expect him to start for Real Madrid. But with all due respect to Alaba, I don’t see the Austrian as a world-class centre-back, though he is excellent in other positions. I would prefer to see a Spanish leader like Nacho playing in Ramos’ position.
If the club doesn’t want to make any additional signings and proceed with Nacho and Alaba as LCB positions, it might be a risk, and the situation would even worsen with the possible departure of Raphael Varane.
With the transfer market still open and many top-class centre-backs willing to leave their respective clubs, Real Madrid can still sign a top-quality centre-back, who can be seen as a long-term replacement for the outgoing captain. Let us have a look at five possible replacements for Sergio Ramos, who is available in the transfer market.