Real Madrid's Spanish defender Sergio Ramos celebrates after scoring a penalty during the Spanish League football match between Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on October 24, 2020. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP) (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)
Sergio Ramos and Real Madrid are at loggerheads over the length of his contract extension (source- The Sun). The Blancos are keen on offering him a 12-month extension on his current deal which expires this season. While the veteran centre-back wants a 2-year extension.
Ramos is one of the household names in European football and certainly amongst the best centre-backs in the world. A youth product of Sevilla, the Spaniard made his move to Madrid back in 2005 and has established himself as one of the mainstays of the club’s defence over the course of his illustrious and distinguished career in the La Liga.
The 34-year-old has racked up a mammoth 658 appearances for Real Madrid over the course of 14 years, accumulating 99 goals and 40 assists in the process (source – Transfermarkt). Stats which are certainly jaw-dropping for a centre-back. There’s hardly any accolade left for him to get his hands on and he has probably won everything that a footballer could dream of.
Ramos’ trophy collection at Madrid includes 5 La Liga titles, 4 Champions League titles, 4 FIFA Club World Cups, 2 Copa del Rey and 3 UEFA Super Cups. It is beyond doubt that he is one of the most high-profile footballers in the world.
The 34-year-old, who boasts of 175 international caps for Spain under his belt, has also tasted plenty of silverware on the international arena, having won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the Euro Cup in 2008 and 2012. To sum it up, Ramos has won everything but he is still only 34 and has plenty to offer at the highest level.
The Blancos have done well to accumulate some of the best young players in the world and look ready to replace some of their ageing stars. However, one position that still looks like it hasn’t been planned for is the centre-back.
Raphael Varane for all his potential and accolades hasn’t exactly become the leader in defence that the club would have wanted. He doesn’t look ready to take over the mantle from Ramos, with occasional shaky displays and a lack of leadership. His errors cost Real Madrid a spot in the quarterfinals of the Champions League last season.
One can point to the acquisition of Eder Militao but he is still too young to be touted as a successor to the club captain. With hardly any more options in that department, Real Madrid need to offer Ramos a two-year extension to find an able replacement and allow him to make the transition into the team.
More than anything, Ramos deserves what he is asking for. He has done it all for the club and is still doing to this day. Real Madrid should change their stance of offering just a one-year extension. The club need him now more than ever.
