Sergio Ramos could be about to end his four-month search for a new club in the most unexpected away.
The decorated defender became a free agent in June after bidding an emotional farewell to Sevilla, and has been linked with a number of potential moves in the time since.
Ramos’ last professional minutes came with former employers SevillaGetty
Initial reports suggested that Ramos was set for a move to MLS, teasing a reunion with former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.
There were also strong rumours that he would head to Saudi Arabia to sign for Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al Nassr, who he first snubbed in 2023 in favour of a return to boyhood club Sevilla.
But Ramos’ final destination may now be a different Middle Eastern country altogether.
According to ESPN, the 38-year-old could be in line for a shock move to Egyptian Premier League side Zamalek SC.
The club are said to be long-term admirers of Ramos, with talk of a potential transfer first becoming public ahead of their CAF Super Cup final win over rivals Al Ahly at the end of September.
Zamalek’s media coordinator Ahmed Shawky has since confirmed that the club had been offered the Spanish World Cup winner, but revealed his high salary demands have proved a stumbling block.
Shawky told ESPN: “Some agents and mediators offered the possibility.
“Of course, Sergio Ramos is a fantastic player who won everything with Real Madrid and Spain. He would be a massive player for any side in the Middle East or Africa.”
Discussing the financial barriers to the move, he continued: “There’s nothing concrete so far, and the player is highly valued financially.”
“It would be a massive boost for Egyptian football, [and would mean] more prestige for Zamalek and the league [if we can get the deal done].”
Ramos captained Real Madrid to three of his four Champions League titles
GettyHe is equally decorated at international level, having secured three major titles with Spain[/caption]
Shawky’s revelation comes just a week after another club official, Hany Shoukry, appeared to rule out the move for the same reason.
Shoukry, who serves on Zamalek’s board of directors, told OnTime Sports, as quoted by ESPN: “There’s been talk with Ramos in order for him to join Zamalek, he welcomed the interest and agreed to play in Egypt.
“The difficulty is really in the financial aspects and the amounts requested by the Spanish star. It’s the main reason for not completing the deal.”
A surprise move to Egypt would surely make Ramos the most high-profile player to head to the country’s top-flight.
Former Chelsea and France winger Florent Malouda is another notable name to feature in the league, having briefly lined up for Wadi Degla towards the end of his playing days in 2016.
Should Ramos sign for Zamalek, it would mark the latest chapter in his incredible career.
The Spaniard is one of the most decorated players in football history having won seven league titles, four Champions Leagues, three domestic cups and four Club World Cups.
He also picked up a staggering 180 caps for Spain that saw him win two European Championships and a World Cup.
Former Chelsea star Florent Malouda also plied his trade in the Egyptian top-flight
The majority of his club honours came with Real Madrid, where he enjoyed a trophy-laden 16 years, before joining PSG in 2021.
After back-to-back Ligue 1 titles in the French capital, Ramos returned to Sevilla, having made his professional debut with the Andalusian outfit in 2004 after rising through their youth ranks.
The Seville native made 37 appearances altogether in the 2023/24 season, scoring seven times. Ramos departed his hometown club after opting not to sign a new contract.
