Real Madrid 'Identified' 2 Possible Sergio Ramos Replacements, Report Says

Real Madrid likely won't be pursuing a lot of prospects this summer due to financial issues. However, the club is considering RB Leipzig's Dayot Upamecano and Sevilla's Jules Kounde as possible replacements for aging captain Sergio Ramos, a report said.

After dethroning Barcelona in La Liga this season, Real Madrid is not leaning toward a major rebuild this summer. Los Blancos seem firm in their decision not to make too many signings due to the losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, it is believed that the Spanish side will be having more departures than arrivals.

But while Madrid captain Ramos appears to become more promising as he ages, his prolonged years with the club have led to the management anticipating a squad without the veteran defender. Spanish sources revealed that Madrid has "identified" RB Leipzig center-back Upamecano as the heir to Ramos' throne, Mundo Deportivo reported.

In an interview with El Transistor published July 17 (via ESPN), Real Madrid president Florentino Perez lifted the lid on Ramos’ future with the club. Addressing the queries regarding the captain’s possible departure, Perez told fans to "stay calm" as Ramos will forever be with Los Blancos.

"Sergio Ramos will be here for life. Everyone should be calm. He's more than a captain," Perez pointed out.

Aside from Upamecano, Madrid also has a growing interest in Sevilla defender Kounde. ESPN Deportes’ Rodrigo Faez learned from sources that Madrid is looking to sign Kounde this coming transfer window.

Kounde, who arrived from Bordeaux for a club-record fee of €27.5 million ($32.3 million) last summer, has had an impressive debut season in La Liga. The defender has been in fine form for the Spanish side, and it has been noted that Madrid now sees him as another ideal long-term replacement for Ramos.

Sevilla currently values the center-back at around €35 million ($41.2 million), the report said. Despite his remarkable season, Sevilla would still be open to selling the 21-year-old this summer.

Many are still hoping that Ramos will stay at Bernabeau for the rest of his glorified career. Former Madrid star Predrag Mijatovic even pointed out in an interview in June that Los Blancos should keep Ramos and not repeat the same mistake they made when they let Cristiano Ronaldo leave for Juventus in 2018.

Ramos’ contract expires in June 2021. Prior to being linked to possible replacements, sources revealed that both Ramos and Madrid were relaxed and happy to put talks about an extension on hold until the summer break.