Celtic, riding high after winning all seven of their opening league matches this season, are being tipped by many betting enthusiasts as the favorites to claim the Scottish Premiership title. Despite their perfect start, Brendan Rodgers remains keen on reinforcing his defense, aware that success over a long campaign demands depth and quality in every position. One opportunity emerging on the horizon is Real Madrid’s 23-year-old defender, Pablo Ramón, who could be available on a free transfer next summer.
Once compared to Sergio Ramos—a comparison that has burdened many young defenders—Ramón currently has a €30 million release clause at Real Madrid. However, with his contract expiring in June 2024 and no clear pathway into Madrid’s first team, Celtic might be able to capitalize on this situation and snap him up without a transfer fee.
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Celtic’s Defensive Flux
At Celtic, the defense has been constantly adapting. Over the summer, they brought in Auston Trusty from Sheffield United, spending around £6 million. Many expected him to settle in quickly and thrive in Glasgow, but his performances have been uneven—a reminder that the Scottish Premiership is rarely straightforward for newcomers. It’s early days, of course, but the settling-in period hasn’t been smooth?.
Meanwhile, Stephen Welsh remains a curious case. Despite years of whispers about his departure, he’s still there—just not on the pitch. Limited to a solitary appearance in the League Cup this season, the writing seems to be on the wall. And should Welsh finally make his exit, Celtic will need reinforcements, especially with injuries occasionally thinning their options at the back. Enter Ramón—a player who could bring both quality and versatility to the squad?.
The Curious Case of Pablo Ramón
Ramón’s story at Real Madrid is a familiar one: promising youngster, compared to a club legend, and caught in the bottleneck that has frustrated many at Valdebebas. Since the days when Zinedine Zidane was still calling the shots, Ramón’s name floated around as a potential star of the future, but his senior debut never materialized.
Instead, he found himself shipped out on loan, spending last season with Mirandés in Spain’s second division, where he played regularly but remained out of sight and out of mind in Madrid.
This isn’t an unusual trajectory for Real Madrid’s academy products, especially defenders, who often find themselves at the mercy of a club that demands instant impact and elite talent. Ramón, now 23 and in a contract year, faces a decision: does he keep waiting for a chance that may never come, or does he move on and seek stability elsewhere??
Why Celtic Makes Sense for Ramón
Celtic would be wise to act if Ramón becomes available. The defender’s stint with Mirandés demonstrated that he’s a reliable option—one who needs only the right environment to fully develop. And Glasgow could offer precisely that. Ramón’s ability to play not only as a centre-back but also as a right-back makes him an attractive proposition for Brendan Rodgers.
Beyond that, there’s a strategic element to this potential transfer. Celtic have found success in Europe by plucking players from top leagues who were just on the periphery—guys who needed a platform and regular minutes to showcase their talent.
Ramón fits that mold perfectly. With Welsh likely out the door and Trusty still finding his feet, Ramón could bring both competition and depth—qualities Celtic’s defense sorely needs?.
Final Words
With Ramón’s contract winding down, Celtic must decide whether to strike early or wait until the summer. If the defender enters the final six months of his contract without an extension from Madrid, Celtic could negotiate a pre-contract agreement, ensuring they secure him ahead of the competition.
For Real Madrid, it might simply be a case of moving on from a player who, despite his early promise, has not managed to leap. For Ramón, it’s the chance to reboot a career that has stalled.
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