Real Madrid Transfer News: Sergio Ramos 'Unhappy' Amid Manchester United Rumours
Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes Sergio Ramos is "unhappy" at the Bernabeu and that Manchester United would be "very lucky" to sign him.
Louis van Gaal's side continue to be linked with a move for the World Cup winner, as reported by Simon Stone of BBC Sport. Calderon discussed Ramos' situation on talkSPORT's Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show:
"It is clear that he is unhappy because the president has refused to extend his contract. I find it like a punishment because he supported Carlo Ancelotti publicly, he said it was a mistake to sack him, and he is also backing Iker Casillas.
Let us see what happens in the next few weeks. It is going to be very exciting to know what is happening. If Sergio goes to Man United, they will be very lucky.
"
TOP NEWS
Madrid Fines Players $590K 😲
'Mbappé Out' Petition Gaining Steam 😳
Star-Studded World Cup Ad 🤩
The Premier League club are "extremely wary" Ramos is using links to the English side as an attempt to land a new contract, as reported by the Independent's Ian Herbert.
The Sun, as tweeted by Neil Henderson of the BBC, also highlighted United's caution on Tuesday:
As noted by the Guardian's Sid Lowe, it's possible United could use Madrid's interest in goalkeeper David De Gea to secure Ramos' transfer.
Herbert suggests Madrid are likely to provide "an angry backlash" after Ramos "provoked" a "state of open warfare" with his current suitors. "There is no current sense that Real Madrid want to keep the defender," per Herbert.
A similar line is followed by AS writer Alfredo Relano: "Sergio Ramos wants to leave Madrid this summer, but I do not think he will have it easy, not even in the deal to sign De Gea."
The versatile centre-back is "angry" with the club's lack of new contract offer and president Florentino Perez's "hidden jealousy" toward some of the squad's other stars, such as Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Martin Odegaard, according to Relano.
Lowe (via the Guardian's Marcus Christenson), uncovered a snippet of interesting information when Madrid last faced the Red Devils in 2013:
Ramos is a leader on and off the pitch for Madrid. Granted, his disciplinary problems are well-documented, but he ranks among the sport's best defenders.
He enjoys spraying the ball around from the back, anticipates the game well and is a constant threat from set pieces. His last-gasp goal during the 2014 Champions League final provided Real with the springboard to secure extra time and, eventually, La Decima.
Van Gaal should be looking to find a partner for Chris Smalling in defence. Ramos has won everything in Spain and won't have many more opportunities to ply his trade at the elite level in England. His valuation will continue to drop as the final two years of his contract elapse—not helped by him turning 30 next year.
Getting rid of Ramos would also allow new boss Rafa Benitez to deploy Raphael Varane in a permanent starting role. The Frenchman has continued to bide his time, but at the age of 22, he is likely to become frustrated if he doesn't break into the team soon.
It seems Madrid can end the speculation by simply offering Ramos the contract terms he wishes. This may be seen as weak on Perez's part and could ignite a dangerous precedent for the club. It's likely the president is weighing up how to satisfy Ramos without making it seem as if he has relented to the player's demands.
United should readily welcome Ramos if he becomes available. Calderon's comments may provide hope, but Los Blancos have the power to end this situation as quickly as it started by swallowing some pride. The silence of Ramos and the club is deafening.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
