It’s over week now since heavy speculation about a Manchester United approach for Sergio Ramos first surfaced.
Although it is believed United have indeed made a bid, most of the footballing community remains in the dark about the possible progress of any deal.
In a potential transfer of this size, there would always be complications but this is a special case.
The player himself has been at loggerheads with Real Madrid over a contract extension for some time and many in Spain are suggesting that United are merely a pawn in his chess game.
His position is strengthened further by the fact that his current employer are keen to sign David De Gea from the Old Trafford side and the two clubs are at a similar impasse regarding the transfer fee.
Perhaps though, after a decade in Madrid, the defender has finally burned his bridges and genuinely wants to try something new.
If they can complete the transfer, what would be the potential pros and cons of his signature for United?
The Pros
Firstly the Manchester club would be recruiting the most decorated defenders in world football.
The Spaniard was the youngest man to reach 100 caps for his country and with several good years of international football still ahead of him, is nearing 130. In his national colours, he has won the World Cup once and the European Championships twice.
He was and still is a cornerstone in one of the most celebrated international teams of all time.
At club level he has featured at the pinnacle of the European game for a decade, winning everything possible with Real Madrid including their historic La Decima Champions League.
Ever since the break-up of the last great back four of the Sir Alex Ferguson era, Manchester United have been crying out for a defender of stature to fill the void left by the likes of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.
To quote former Liverpool defender and long term rival of United Jamie Carragher, “If Sergio Ramos isn’t considered one of the world’s best, who is?”
All too often last term, the Red Devils were exposed at the back and required rescue by De Gea. Louis Van Gaal tried countless centre back pairings and trios.
None of the existing options though, were able to take charge and become the commanding presence that Ramos would doubtless bring.
His qualities span a huge range of the both the physical and the technical and include everything from bustling pace to an accomplished passing range.
He is also a threat in attack, either aerially in the opposition penalty box or when rampaging from right-back.
The 29 year old however, would also bring a mental edge to Old Trafford. Real experience, leadership and confidence, even swagger, that has been absent from the United back line for far too long.
Given his career to date, no occasion would phase him. He encapsulates leadership and self confidence that badly needs planted and nurtured among his potential new team mates.
On top of this, Ramos is a warrior, a fearless defender in the old sense. He walks a fine line between heroic and reckless but his passion and bravery cannot be questioned.
His potential transfer would also represent a major coup for the Old Trafford hierarchy, regardless of whether or not De Gea heads in the opposite direction.
Not many players that have proved integral cogs at either of Spain’s big two clubs would opt to leave at this stage of their career. This would be a statement signing if ever there was one.
The Cons
More cynical observes are questioning Ramos’ motives.The player has been in dispute with Real for some time about his contract extension.
Regardless of where he is playing next term, the contract he signs this summer will be the last major deal of his career.
It has been suggested that he is attempting to play the two clubs against each other to secure a pay packet well in excess of the £200,000 that United are reportedly willing to offer.
In the last couple of days it has emerged that he would only be prepared to leave Los Merengues for Louis Van Gaal’s side. Could his current employer’s interest in De Gea, be part of a strategy for more leverage in his own contract negotiations?
Then there is the transfer fee. The bid tabled by the Red Devils for his services is thought to be £28.6 million. Despite his glittering CV this must be considered expensive for a defender approaching the age of 30.
There is no indication that Madrid will accept the offer and if a deal can be reached the price is likely to be higher.
Such negotiations are also likely to weaken the attempts to retain David De Gea at Old Trafford. Any movement by Madrid on Ramos’ price tag will be expected to be reciprocated in regards to the prized goalkeeper.
Finally, for all his qualities Ramos has always carried a major question mark over his temperament.
The former Sevilla man is known in certain circles as “The Madman of Madrid” and has often been labeled a walking red card.
There is no doubt that his susceptibility to the descent of the proverbial red mist has drawn him negative attention over the years. A recent mellowing has seen him rein in this volatile aspect of his character but he will always be a man who plays on the edge.
Fans in both England and Spain will wait with interest for further news on his future.
Meanwhile though, as all the positives and negatives are put onto the scale, it still tips overwhelmingly in the right direction for United and any deal should be regarded as a triumph.
[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]