The future of Sergio Ramos at Real Madrid is one of major speculation, as rumours mount about his impending departure to Manchester United. The transfer speculation surrounding the 29-year-old is a more recent phenomenon after he looked certain to stay as the key player at Real Madrid for more than just a couple of years. Ramos signed for Madrid in 2005 from Sevilla for around £ 30 million. Since he has only two years left on his contract, United are looking to sign the player for a similar fee. Betfair expects Old Trafford to become the next destination for Ramos at odds of 7/4.
Until now, United remain as the only top team to have made an official offer for the player. The Premier League outfit had an astronomical net spend of £ 150 million last summer, but this does not appear to have quenched their thirst for top players. Their £ 28.5 million initial offer for Ramos suggests that there could be more big names arriving at Old Trafford in the summer. The Spaniard may be a key part of the club’s revival, as United’s defence often lacked organisation and experience last season.
Ramos may not be the best defender in the world. He is known for his skills on the ball while also getting his fair share of goals from set pieces. It is remarkable to think that the 29-year-old has managed to come up with 40 goals in just 313 league appearances for the Spanish club. The goal scoring skills of the defender could not have come at a much better time for Madrid after he equalised in the injury time of the Champions League 2014 final against Atletico Madrid.
His response to the offer from United is that of a confusion, as Ramos has stated that he is not in discussions with any club over a potential transfer. However, he is believed by sources close to the club to have told the president, Florentino Perez, that he felt unloved at the club. After having grown into a key figure over the last 10 years, Ramos feels that the same Madrid have handled this contractual situation is not good. The defender enters into his final two years of his contract and Madrid have not been urgent enough to offer him a new contract.
One of the reasons maybe the player’s age, which is soon above to hit 30. Clubs simply do not offer players in the twilight of their careers more than a one-year deal. This is the case with some of the best players in the world like John Terry and Steven Gerrard. Ramos, though, feels that he is still playing at the best possible physical condition and can carry on doing so for more than just a couple of years.
Some have felt that the interest from United has been encouraged from Ramos’ camp to a certain extent. It has always been a ploy used by players in order to secure themselves a fat contract. It is a possibility that Ramos would have estimated that an interest from a top club like United will certainly speed up things as far as his contract with Madrid is concerned. After all, he is not going to lose any of his legendary status if he ends up staying at the Santiago Bernabeu.
His official press interviews have been reiterating the fact that he would like to stay at Madrid rather than joined United. In this way, Ramos has kept the fans by his side even amidst the speculation. United desperately need top centre backs in order to carry on the good work done by the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Vidic in the past. Chris Smalling and Phil Jones certainly have impressed in some games during the second half of last season, but manager Louis van Gaal discovered that this alone will not be enough in order to challenge for titles alongside Manchester City and Chelsea.
Arsenal are the next in line to sign Ramos at odds of a distant 25/1. It appears that if it is not United, the Spaniard may stay at Madrid for the time being.
