Transfer Talk: Ramos could shine bright with Messi in Sunshine State
Sergio Ramos could be reunited with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami after his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expired on July 1.
The 37-year-old defender is reportedly a target for the Major League Soccer outfit co-owned by David Beckham, who have also added Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets to their ranks this summer.
With a move to Florida looking like a real possibility, we shine the spotlight on Ramos and see what he has to offer in the twilight years of his career.
Class is permanent
Ramos' first season in Paris after joining on a free transfer from Real Madrid in July 2021 was blighted by injuries.
He was restricted to just 13 appearances across all competitions — but became a mainstay in PSG's XI last term.
Ramos featured in 45 games as Christophe Galtier's side retained the Ligue 1 title, with the Spaniard scoring four goals.
In league action, the Real icon proved he is still one of the best defenders around with the ball at his feet.
Among players in Europe's top five leagues, Ramos ranked fifth for passes completed and boasted a hugely impressive accuracy of 94.83%.
Father Time
But while his passing numbers paint a positive picture, an ageing Ramos was unable to replicate past defensive contributions.
He finished outside Ligue 1's top 40 last season for tackles made, interceptions completed, aerial duels won and possessions won in the defensive third.
In a far less dominant Miami team — who are rooted to the bottom of the Eastern Conference table — Ramos' seemingly waning pragmatic powers could be exposed in the Sunshine State.
The Florida outfit have won only five of their 20 league matches so far this campaign, conceding 31 goals.
Alternatives
Miami are not the only option for Ramos this summer.
According to multiple reports, a move to Saudi Arabia could be on the cards for the 2010 World Cup winner, which would see him follow in the footsteps of former Real team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
A return to boyhood club Sevilla was also touted at one stage, although the Andalusian outfit's vice-president Jose Maria del Nido Carrasco brought an end to those rumours.
He told Marca: "At the moment, Sergio Ramos is not an option for Sevilla. I have a good relationship with him.
"He is a magnificent player and came out of our youth system but there is nothing with him and Sevilla."
Miami decision
A move to Florida looks to make the most sense for Ramos.
The franchise's struggles this season are well-known — but there is certainly light at the end of the tunnel.
Messi and Busquets' confirmed arrivals should soon galvanise the team on the pitch, while the appointment of former Barcelona and Argentina manager Gerardo Martino is another promising sign.
And according to multiple reports, Miami are targeting two more of Ramos' ex-international colleagues in Andres Iniesta and Jordi Alba.
A Spanish-themed revolution would surely be too exciting to turn down.
