New deal for Gerard Piqué puts spotlight on Sergio Ramos
Barcelona president Bartomeu may have felt he had bought some peace and quiet after the recent contract extension that will see Piqué remain at the Catalan club through to the age of 37. The defender became the clear squad spokesman after the humbling 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich and was the first person to offer to leave the club. The player now secures a decent contract renewal from the very person who he singled out in now infamous his post game speech. Bartomeu may feel he has bought some peace and quiet in the knowledge that by the time the deal expires he will be long gone and it will be his successor who will have to handle the next stage of Pique's career.
Griezmann debate
I'm not in total agreement with Bartomeu's strategy but understand his rational. Piqué can be a complex character and seen by some as a manipulative figure in the Camp Nou dressing room. This move really should have come from the president some months ago rather than now with a new coach in Koeman as the club head into the first El Clásico of the new season. With the soothing 5-1 win over Ferencvaros, Piqué won't be on media duty for a while given that he will miss the next Champions League tie due to his red card. The next headache for the club to deal with is the 'will he or won't' he' playing time question hanging over Antoine Griezmann.
Spotlight on Ramos
This Barcelona renewal now puts the spotlight somewhat on Florentino Perez with Sergio Ramos' current deal with Real Madrid set to expire next summer. The club captain is a year older than his Barça counterpart, but it could be argued, a more pivotal member of the Madrid squad. Ramos has now assumed the responsibility for free-kicks and penalties, with the defender still among the goals with the danger he presents from corner kicks ever present too. Florentino Perez is currently dragging his heels over the matter having put his economic focus of remodelling the Bernabéu rather than investing in the squad. Piqué's latest renewal at Camp Nou will now put the ball back in his court as it's clear that Varane and Militao lack the same level of security when Ramos is not about.