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Why is former Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos’ move to Galatasaray set to fall through?
The Champions League-winning centre-back had looked set for a switch to Istanbul after leaving Paris Saint-Germain earlier this summer.
Just when it seemed as if former Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos was finally set to sign for a new club after leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season, his move to Galatasaray looks set to fall through. The two parties had been locked in negotiations for several days and were optimistic of reaching an agreement. However, talks have now stalled and the deal is expected to be off.
What was Galatasaray’s final contract offer to Ramos?
The Turkish champions were confident the 36-year-old would accept their final contract offer of €6 million ($6.5 million) per season after tax, with both individual and collective bonuses, as well as the option to sign a new deal based on the number of games played and performances.
Galatasaray Vice-President Erden Timur and Francis Cagigao, their Global Director of recruitment and strategy, have been in constant contact with Rene Ramos, the player’s agent and brother, but are not willing to go higher than the aforementioned offer.
Ramos also snubbed Liga MX’s Club América
And it looks as if the ship may now have sailed for the four-time Champions League winner, who also rejected a move to Liga MX side Club América earlier this summer. Timur and Cagigao are scheduled to meet with a Premier League club later on Thursday to discuss a move for an unnamed central defender, with the Turkish giants feeling it’s very unlikely that Ramos change his mind. They have now turned their attentions elsewhere, although the Spaniard would still be their first choice if he did perform a U-turn.
24-year-old Danish defender Victor Nelsson looks almost certain to leave Istanbul for either Serie A or the Premier League, which means Galatasaray are desperately on the lookout for a new centre-back. As it stands, it doesn’t look as if it will be Ramos.