The Camas man was weighing an offer that would have him joining Karim Benzema as a teammate, continuing a chapter of shared success that began at Real Madrid where they celebrated countless titles together.
Sergio Ramos is on the verge of a renewed collaboration with Benzema after a lucrative proposal from Saudi club Al-Ittihad. Reports indicate the 37-year-old defender is close to deciding his future, with days ticking away as the summer transfer window nears its close. The veteran centre-back could have found himself back in the same locker room as the French striker, a pairing that previously helped define Real Madrid’s era of dominance.
Signing of Sergio Ramos by Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad: price, how much money it costs and how many years of contract he will sign
Ramos left Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expired on June 30, freeing him to explore opportunities as a free agent. Al-Ittihad, for its part, moved quickly to secure a high-caliber defender without triggering a transfer fee in the traditional sense, instead focusing on a lucrative salary package designed to attract a player at the tail end of his prime. The approach highlighted a broader trend in the market where elite players can be procured through wage structures rather than upfront transfer costs.
According to Fabrizio Romano, a trusted source on football market activity, Al-Ittihad presented an offer that could stretch to as much as 50 million euros over two seasons. In other words, the club aimed to ensure financial security for a player who would be entering his late thirties, betting on his ongoing value and leadership on the field. The plan was to keep the player in peak condition while compensating for any residual risk with a substantial salary that reflected Ramos’s pedigree and experience at the highest level.
As the European window began its final hours, Ramos remained in discussions about his next steps. The decision faced by the Spaniard involved weighing competing possibilities, including potential reunions with former clubs and new projects elsewhere. Marca reported that Besiktas and Galatasaray emerged as serious candidates alongside the possibility of a stay in Europe, underscoring the wide interest in his resume and the leadership he could bring to an ambitious squad.
Ultimately, the decision would hinge on the balance between financial terms, playing time, and the prospect of competing for titles in a different footballing culture. For Al-Ittihad, the aim was clear: to add a marquee defender who could help the club maintain domestic supremacy and push for continental honors while also bringing a wealth of experience and professionalism to the dressing room.
This development underscores a broader pattern in modern football where clubs in emerging leagues pursue established stars to raise competitive standards, brand visibility, and commercial appeal. Ramos’s full potential in a new environment would depend on how quickly he adapts to a different style of play and the level of support provided by the club’s medical and training staff. The looming decision will mark the next phase of a storied career marked by leadership, resilience, and a track record of success at the very highest levels of the sport.
Source: Goal