What Does The Future Hold For Sergio Ramos?

Defender Sergio Ramos has been on Real Madrid’s books for a decade and a half and has come to be the spiritual leader of ‘Los Blancos’. He is more than just their captain and a dedicated centre-back, but a physical manifestation of the excellence and determination to succeed which has sustained Real as one of the greatest clubs in world football.

Ramos has won plenty of silverware in his time at Estadio Santaigo Bernabeu, headlined by four titles each in the UEFA Champions League and La Liga. His legacy of success at Real Madrid is undeniable, but uncertainty over his future is now the central narrative of his career.

Ramos is out of contract at the end of the 2020-21 season and recent reports suggest an impasse between player and club over the prospect of an extension to this deal: the 34-year-old wants a two-year agreement, while Real are only willing to offer one.

While Ramos remains a brilliant all-round defender and provides both experience and leadership, Real already have a centre-back pairing to carry them into the future: Raphael Varane is ready to become the team’s defensive pivot, while Eder Militao, signed from Porto last year, has already shown signs of being a great partner for the Frenchman.

However, there is surely a place for Ramos in the Real squad as a ‘senior pro’: a player who may see less game time than he has been used to, but remains a key figure in terms of providing depth, experience and ensuring the handover from one generation to the next is as smooth as possible.

Former Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Redondo certainly believes Ramos should finish his career at the Bernabeu: “He is physically gifted and he has professionalism too. He’ll be the one who decides when to end his career,” said the Argentine. “Logically, he has to be at Madrid and he has to remain linked to the club for everything he represents.”

For now, Ramos has put his focus on remaining fit and sharp for the possible resumption of the La Liga season – though he insists football should only return in hard-hit Spain when it is safe and appropriate.

“Everyone’s health is not going to be put at risk. I am looking forward to playing again, returning to compete, playing in La Liga and the Champions League,” explained the Real captain. “I am hungry to end the season with a title, but first, we have to wait for the people who know about all of this to make the appropriate decisions.”

He added, “We can’t think that everything has already been achieved yet, the seriousness of the matter is still with us. We have to comply with the guidelines in order to end this virus and give scientists the time to find a vaccine.”