The City of Guangzhou: A Turning Point in the Ramos Contract Renewal Saga

The city of Guangzhou was the place where Florentino Pérez and Sergio Ramos momentarily buried the hatchet after weeks of confrontation surrounding the defender's contract renewal. The first contact between the pair for a number of weeks has served to set a date to resume negotiations over the player's future. They will be on the return from the Audi Cup, which Madrid will take part in on August 4-5 in Munich.

The meeting in China, held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Guangzhou and attended by the Madrid president, general manager José Ángel Sánchez, Ramos, and his brother and agent René. The main objective of the meeting was to smooth relationships, although the differences remain significant. The centre-back complained that the club has leaked details of the negotiations and the offer that the club presented to him. During the meeting, Ramos was upset at the fact that the image of he and his family had been tarnished after being perceived as money-grabbers.

While the meeting in Guangzhou served to try and ease relations, the situation remains a complex one. Ramos still has thoughts on leaving the club, although in Madrid they are convinced that he will end up renewing his contract. Madrid have offered €7 million net per year but the player has asked for €10m. The deal could be closed at €9m.