Manchester United are reportedly set to battle Manchester City to sign Sergio Ramos, who is set to leave Real Madrid this summer.
According to a report by Spanish publication AS, the race to sign Sergio Ramos in the summer transfer window is starting to heat up. Manchester United and Manchester City are among the clubs that are keen on signing the veteran Spanish defender, who is leaving Real Madrid.
Sergio Ramos is a bonafide legend of the game, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation, having transcended generations beautifully while at Real Madrid. After arriving at the Bernabeu, the Spaniard steadily grew in stature in Los Blancos’ first-team setup, starting out as a right-back before becoming one of the best central defenders in the world.
However, after 16 years at Real Madrid, Ramos is set for a new phase in his career, having failed to reach an agreement with the club over the terms of a new contract. With his current deal running out at the end of the month, a glorious chapter in the player as well as Real Madrid’s history is set to come to an end. As for his next destination, Manchester United and Manchester City are keen on signing him.
Manchester United are reportedly in the market for a centre-back this summer owing to the fact that Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly have been unreliable customers for them, either due to injuries or performances on the pitch. Finding a dependable partner for captain Harry Maguire is critical and to that end, the Red Devils have been linked with a myriad of centre-backs including Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane.
Now, it looks like Varane’s partner-in-crime at Real Madrid in recent years Ramos could be on the agenda at Old Trafford, with his leadership qualities also being an added bonus for Manchester United. As for their neighbours Manchester City, the interest in the veteran Spanish defender is not unfounded, even if it is surprising to many.
In Ruben Dias, Manchester City have found a long-term solution at the heart of the defence, with John Stones enjoying a pleasant career revival this past season. However, a reduction in his role is prompting Aymeric Laporte to seek greener pastures, with Real Madrid among the clubs linked with him.
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That leaves Nathan Ake as the only other centre-back at Pep Guardiola’s disposal, Ramos could be a viable stop-gap option for Manchester City. In fact, as per widespread reports, City are willing to offer Ramos the two-year deal that he was seeking from Real Madrid, which ought to put Manchester United under pressure to raise the bar.
Apart from Manchester United and Manchester City, PSG are also keen on signing Ramos in the summer transfer window, while Sevilla have been mooted as a potential destination as well. What will now be interesting to see is where the 35-year-old heads off to next, with his stint at Real Madrid now over.
