Real Madrid have lost eight of the last 10 European games in which Sergio Ramos has been missing - he returns on Wednesday
Real Madrid have lost eight of the last 10 European games in which Sergio Ramos has been missing - he returns on Wednesday AFP / PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU

KEY POINTS

  • Sergio Ramos will be leaving Real Madrid
  • Club president Florentino Perez sticks to his personal policies
  • Manchester City is rumored to be Ramos' next landing spot

Real Madrid’s longtime captain Sergio Ramos will be officially leaving the club after spending 16 seasons with the team.

The announcement was a shock to most people as the prolific Spaniard was a big key to Los Blancos’ success in La Liga and in much of their dominance in those 16 seasons.

As reported by ESPN, the 35-year-old wished to sign a two-year deal at the Bernabeu, but club president Florentino Perez stuck by his policy of only offering one-year deals to players who were above 30.

According to reports by Spanish outlet AS earlier this year, the club’s offer of a one-year deal with a 10% deduction to his wages, plus Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement of Zinedine Zidane as manager, complicated things for a Ramos return.

Deep in thought: Sergio Ramos digests Real Madrid's Champions League exit
Deep in thought: Sergio Ramos digests Real Madrid's Champions League exit AFP / Glyn KIRK

The center-back will be looking for a new home, and rumors suggest that an English Premier League powerhouse may be offering a two-year contract that he’s been looking for.

Manchester City is prepared to make a run for the Spaniard and sign him through the summer of 2023.

A move to Manchester City would definitely strengthen their hold on the league and will definitely be considered favorites to win the title for a second consecutive season, having been at the top of the standings thrice in the past four years.

Should he sign with Manchester City, the deal would include a possible extension for a third season or he could also join Major League Soccer counterpart New York City FC.

An injury-plagued run with the team saw Ramos play only 21 games, his lowest total in the past 15 years with the team.

Ramos has been linked to other teams and will certainly have his options moving forward.

Chelsea has also been linked to the defender. Backfield mate Raphael Varane has also been pegged as a potential replacement for Antonio Rudiger if he leaves the club.