Sergio Ramos: Sevilla's potential saviour in the boardroom... and on the pitch?
With Sevilla leaking goals and fighting relegation, could a dramatic return for Sergio Ramos as player be on the cards before he completes his takeover?
Sevilla’s defensive woes have reached crisis point, leaving the door ajar for an unlikely hero to step through. Could Sergio Ramos be donning the red and white once more before he takes over in the boardroom?
Leaking like a sieve
The numbers don’t lie, and they’re telling a proper horror story for Sevilla right now. They’ve become La Liga’s most defeated side and have shipped a whopping 37 goals in just 22 matches. Mallorca’s victory at Son Moix yesterday brutally exposed the defensive frailties of a backline desperately short on quality and experience.
What was once a team challenging for European spots is now facing the grim reality of a relegation scrap. The objective couldn’t be clearer – survival, nothing more – and with the table tighter than a duck’s you-know-what at the bottom, it won’t be a walk in the park.
The Ramos factor
Enter Sergio Ramos, the man who recently signed a letter of intent with several major Sevilla shareholders to begin the club’s purchase process. While he’s planning to take over the club, the former Real Madrid captain is technically still an active footballer and currently a free agent after his contract with Mexican side Monterrey expired.
Interestingly, during the club’s sale process, Ramos had already explored the possibility of returning to play for his boyhood club before hanging up his boots and moving upstairs. However, Sevilla didn’t entertain the idea during January’s transfer window.
Barriers to overcome
Despite having one registration spot available, bringing Ramos back faces significant hurdles:
- Financial limitations: Sevilla have exceeded La Liga’s salary cap and lack sufficient space to register a new player
- Special arrangements: The club would need to negotiate with La Liga and potentially provide guarantees to facilitate the signing
- Legal complications: Spain’s Sports Law includes a clause (introduced following the Gerard Piqué/Supercopa situation) prohibiting active athletes from having commercial relationships in competitions they participate in
However, with the club’s sale process expected to conclude around June, there could be a window where Ramos could play before officially becoming an owner.
For a club shipping goals left, right and centre, the prospect of having one of the game’s most decorated defenders available might be too tempting to ignore – even with all the complications.