Al-Ahli is reportedly gearing up to propose a $20m per annum deal to Sergio Ramos, suggesting a potential move to Saudi Arabia, a transition previously made by the likes of Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Efforts of the Saudi Pro League
The Saudi Pro League is continuing its initiative to attract star football players. Having already succeeded in signing Benzema and Ronaldo, both formerly of Real Madrid, their focus is now on another ex-Los Blancos player. This time, their attention is directed towards the center-back who will become a free agent by the end of the month due to the expiration of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain.
Ramos’ Departure from Paris Saint-Germain
The former Madrid star has already declared his intention to leave Paris following two seasons that did not meet expectations, failing to secure the Champions League title. Al-Ahli, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, is interested in bringing Ramos onboard, with a proposed annual offer of $20m. However, this quoted figure falls significantly short when compared to the earnings of Ronaldo and Benzema at Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad, respectively.
Rumors and Expectations
In February, there were reports from Marca suggesting Al-Nassr’s interest in signing Ramos, potentially reuniting him with Ronaldo. However, these rumors soon died down as Ramos, still a player for PSG at the time, was pursuing his Champions League dream. The question remains whether Ramos will ultimately choose to transition to Saudi Arabia. Having retired from international football, Ramos might opt for a league that demands less from him in the latter stages of his career.
Ramos’ Early Brilliance
Sergio Ramos emerged onto the football scene as a prodigious talent. He began his journey with Sevilla’s youth system, before graduating to the senior team in 2004. His exceptional performances at the back quickly caught the attention of larger clubs.
The Real Madrid Era
In 2005, Real Madrid signed Ramos, marking the beginning of a storied association. Ramos quickly became an indispensable part of Los Blancos’ defense. His courage, leadership, and unparalleled skills saw him emerge as one of the world’s leading defenders. Ramos’ performances for Madrid were consistently exceptional. He played crucial roles in the club’s several La Liga title wins, and perhaps most notably, in their four Champions League victories. Ramos, often stepping up in critical moments, scored decisive goals, including the late equalizer in the 2014 Champions League final against Atletico Madrid.
National Team Achievements
Internationally, Ramos’ performances for Spain were just as stellar. He was an integral part of the golden generation that clinched the 2008 and 2012 European Championships, as well as the 2010 World Cup. Ramos’ leadership, along with his excellent defending, contributed significantly to Spain’s successes during this period.
Paris Saint-Germain Chapter
Ramos moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. Despite an injury-riddled stint, his performances when fit exhibited the same combativeness and class he had shown throughout his career. Unfortunately, the Champions League eluded him during this tenure. Sergio Ramos’ career was marked by exceptional performances, both for his clubs and the national team. His aggressive defending, leadership, and knack for scoring crucial goals set him apart as one of the finest defenders of his generation. Regardless of the league or stage, Ramos was a player who could always be relied upon to deliver when it mattered most.