AARON Ramsey, the captain of the Cymru national team, has become the latest British football star to draw interest from Saudi Arabia. At the age of 32, Ramsey has received a substantial offer from the Middle East, in addition to an opportunity to join his boyhood club, Cardiff, after engaging in discussions with the Welsh team.
Ramsey’s current French club, Nice, made an announcement on Monday stating their expectation for his return to the south of France for pre-season training next week. However, sources indicate that negotiations are underway to release Ramsey from his contract with Nice. Last season, he triggered a 12-month extension after meeting a specific number of match appearances. Despite failing to reach an agreement on a new long-term contract with the Ligue 1 club, Ramsey affirmed that his next career move would be a decision made in consultation with his family.
Expressing his desire to play for his boyhood club, Ramsey, who previously played for Arsenal and Juventus, revealed last month his aspiration to join Cardiff. Although Cardiff finished 21st in the Championship last season, they are eager to bring him back to his roots. On the other hand, Ramsey faces the tempting prospect of a lucrative deal from Saudi Arabia’s Pro League.
In a separate development, former England captain Steven Gerrard has taken on the role of manager at Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia. Jesse Lingard, an ex-Manchester United attacker who recently had an unsuccessful stint at Nottingham Forest, has also attracted interest from Saudi clubs. Furthermore, rumours have linked Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson with a significant offer to make a switch to the Middle East.
The wave of high-profile transfers to Saudi Arabia continues, spearheaded by Cristiano Ronaldo’s move last December. Prominent European players such as Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Roberto Firmino, and Ruben Neves have already joined Saudi clubs. Wilfried Zaha, who is currently a free agent after his Crystal Palace contract expired this summer, has also been presented with a lucrative opportunity in the Middle East. Moreover, Saudi clubs have expressed their desire to acquire former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea and Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku.
