Real Madrid: Sergio Ramos contract talks fall apart
Florentino's remarks suggest that Ramos will be leaving the club on termination of his contract in June. Madrid turn their attentions to Alaba.
The failed European Super League project has left collateral damage for Real Madrid, among which is the future of Sergio Ramos who, with every day that passes, looks to be on his way out of the club. Ramos' contract expires on 30 June and as things stand, it looks highly unlikely that he will continue.
Ramos and Madrid have failed to find any middle ground in recent weeks and Florentino Pérez's remarks about the situation on El Chiringuito on Monday suggest that things aren't going to change over the next few weeks. Quite the opposite, from what he said, the club and player are nowhere near reaching an agreement. "Madrid need a change, every so often, we need to change things. We have a won a lot, a lot of things have happened and we have to alter things to get the excitement back. That's what I am working on," Florentino explained.
When Sergio Ramos' name was mentioned, Florentino reacted by taking a light-headed tone: "I'm leaving..." he joked before giving his point of view: "I love him a lot, but we are in a very bad situation. And at Madrid, no one has the money, we have to be realistic. We had a long time to resolve this, but now we are all in a very bad moment, including Madrid". When pushed to say whether Ramos would continue or not, he replied: "I didn't say that (that he won't continue). At the moment, we are looking at how we are going to bring the season to a close. After that we will start thinking about next season".
Florentino's latest remarks on the Ramos saga came earlier this morning during his appearance on El Larguero: "I love him as though he were my own son, I've done everything I can for him. But I'm not going to be encouraged to pay more for Sergio Ramos. The situation is what it is, and he knows that too. I'm focused on closing the season..."
The most sensitive issue is the reduction in salary which Madrid is asking the players to accept - a 10% pay cut to offset projected losses (91 million euros, although making the Champions League semi-finals has helped to boost the coffers). Ramos convinced the squad to take a cut in pay last season but they haven't agreed to do the same this season. The president explained "We are in talks with the players, many have agreed to a voluntary 10% pay cut. The two who left opn loan, Jovic and Ødegaard, agreed to lower their salaries. There are people who have shown solidarity with the club". And Ramos?: "Last season, yes... This season, the situation is different".
Alaba, poised to sign for Real Madrid
From what we do know, Madrid were willing to offer the captain a two-year extension but the stumbling block is his salary - if Ramos doesn't accept a lower salary, it is very difficult to see any deal going though. With that scenario, Sky reported yesterday that Madrid and David Alaba have reached an agreement with the defender ready to sign a five-year deal; he would join on a free transfer from Bayern and earn around 11 million euros net per season. That implies that renewing Ramos may well be off the table as Madrid would not offer him the same conditions as Alaba; Alaba is a left-sided central defender who can also play at left-back or in midfield.
Despite that, the cards are still just about on the table. Madrid hope to sell Varane this summer - a player who they could command a decent fee for. If that happens, Madrid would be left with Alaba, Militão and Nacho as their three first choice centre-backs - plus Ramos, if he agrees to a 10% pay cut. However, his recent run of injuries haven't help to strengthen his case - Madrid have managed to get through some of the most difficult moments of the season without him, by calling on Nacho and Militão.