Despite his desire to stay with Los Blancos, the great centre-back Sergio Ramos is leaving the Spanish capital after 16 years. Sergio Ramos stated that he meant to accept Real Madrid's one-year extension offer, but that he had run out of time. As a result, the former Blancos captain will leave the Santiago Bernabeu after 16 years in the famed white shirt. The centre-back says he will continue to play at the highest level, but he is unsure which team he will play for next season.
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Ramos joined Los Blancos from Sevilla in 2005 and went on to play for the Santiago Bernabeu giants for over 670 games. With five La Liga titles, two Copas del Reys, four Supercopa de Espana, four Champions Leagues, three UEFA Super Cups, and four Club World Cups, the Spain international leaves an illustrious history in Madrid. The 34-time La Liga champions are set to add another world-class centre-back before the end of the 2021-22 season. As a successor for Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid are looking for a centre-back with a "strong character" and "strong personality." On that point, here are four players who might be able to replace the former Real Madrid captain at the Santiago Bernabeu.
4. Benoit Badiashile - AS Monaco
Badiashile, a French U-21 international, is one of the best centre back prospects in the world. Last season, the French defender intercepted 1.6 passes per game and cleared 2.8 passes per game while only being dribbled on 0.4 times per game. In general, Badiashile's placement and game reading are unusual for a teenager. He is younger than the others on our list, but he has a chance to be a truly world-class player. Badiashile is a natural passer, completing over 87% of his passes one year after connecting on about 90% of his passes. As far as young defenders go, he may be a long-term successor for Ramos.
3. Aymeric Laporte - Manchester City
Laporte is a terrific centre-back for Manchester City, and it would make sense if he was on Real Madrid's transfer wish list. He's a fantastic ball-playing defender who can make accurate long passes with both feet as the former Bilbao player can. He averages 3.2 long passes per 90 minutes, with an overall average of 89.5 passes per 90 minutes. He is a very bright defender with excellent positional sense. In comparison to the other possibilities, his market value is roughly 45 million euros. In addition, if the player wishes to relocate, the fee can be reduced.
2. Pau Torres - Villarreal
Pau Torres is a young central defender who is making rapid progress. Under Unai Emery at Villarreal, he is a sure starter, and Luis Enrique prefers him to play alongside Laporte on the Spanish national team. He's a great player out of the back and in great shape. He will add a great deal of balance to the Real Madrid backline as a left-footed player. Pau Torres is under contract with Villarreal until 2024, with a €50 million release clause, and he appears to be well worth the initial expenditure. The Yellow Submarine, on the other hand, could be able to negotiate a lower fare.
1. Jules Kounde - Sevilla
Jules Kounde, like Diego Carlos, is a Sevilla centre-back who has surfaced as a transfer target for Real Madrid, who are keen to find a successor for Sergio Ramos. He had a fantastic match against Barca, which caused everyone to take notice of him. His buyout clause is worth 90 million euros, which he cannot afford in the current economic scenario. Man City made an offer of 55 million euros to Real Madrid a few months ago, but the Spanish club turned it down. Kounde will only leave Seville if he receives a substantial offer. Sevilla's financial situation, on the other hand, hasn't improved since the pandemic struck, and they may be obliged to sell Kounde for a lower price.
