Sergio Ramos And Real Madrid Must Sort Differences As They Need Each Other

Lucas Navarrete looks at the saga which has so far been the story of Real Madrid's summer, and suggests how it can be resolved.

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Real Madrid and Florentino Pérez have a big problem on their hands with Sergio Ramos, and it will not be easy for them to find a way out.

The Spanish defender is unsettled with his contract, wants to get a significant raise and an extension, and according to several reports coming from Spain he would be ready to leave Real Madrid if Pérez doesn’t give him that.

No matter what Pérez ultimately decides to do, this situation could end up hurting the club. Give Ramos the raise he demands and other players in this roster will be entitled to ask for a bigger contract even after ending the season empty-handed. On the other hand, if Real Madrid sell Ramos they will lose one of the world’s most dominating center-backs and definitely a club legend who is also a very important character in the dressing room.

If both Ramos and Real Madrid take a step back and lower his demands, a contract extension would be the most reasonable thing to happen. However, Ramos’ brother and agent René has not been taking good care of the reputation of his client by offering Ramos to several clubs - arch rivals FC Barcelona included - although this was almost certainly a strategy to put some pressure on Real Madrid’s shoulders and get the extension done.

Sergio Ramos has a point, though. The Spanish defender definitely deserves a raise and would have probably got one had he been more patient during the negotiations. He is this team’s most important player after Cristiano Ronaldo and his status within the fans is untouchable. Ramos and Pérez have always been on the same page and Real Madrid’s President would have given Ramos the contract he deserves, there’s no question about that.

If he finally leaves, it will not be easy for Real Madrid to find a quality replacement. Varane might be ready to take become a starter but the club would still need to find someone to fill Pepe’s shoes as the Portuguese isn’t getting any younger. Real Madrid are always desperate to win trophies every season and losing such an important asset like Ramos could require some time for the rest of the players to adjust.

All in all, it would not make sense for Real Madrid to let Ramos go, but the player himself put the club in a very difficult situation. If the defender is humble enough to admit he was wrong by offering himself to many clubs around Europe, there is simply no reason why Real Madrid would not want to put an end to this situation by extending his contract.

The relationship between Real Madrid and Ramos is reportedly broken, but that should simply not matter for a player of his calibre and reputation. Sergio Ramos will put his legacy as a Real Madrid player in question if he decides to leave because of contract issues, and the exact same thing will happen to Florentino Pérez if Ramos is sold.

Real Madrid and Ramos need each other and that’s precisely why an agreement should still be expected.