Wales captain Aaron Ramsey is reportedly on the verge of completing a sensational return to his boyhood club, Cardiff City.
The former Arsenal midfielder, aged 32, is said to be undergoing a medical with the Championship club on Thursday, fueling speculation of an imminent homecoming.
Ramsey’s availability on a free transfer comes after his contract with Nice expired last month.
While the final details of the deal are yet to be agreed upon, the Welsh midfielder has expressed his eagerness to move back to south Wales, where his roots lie, alongside his family.
The potential arrival of Ramsey at Cardiff City would undoubtedly be a significant signing for the club.
The 2023-2024 Championship fixtures have been released
Moreover, it would serve as a major boost for their new manager, Erol Bullut, who has been keen on bringing Ramsey back to the team where his career began as a talented teenager.
With 82 international caps to his name, Ramsey initially rose through the ranks of Cardiff City in 2007 before making the move to Arsenal in 2008.
He briefly returned to the Welsh capital in 2011 during his recovery from a broken leg, leaving an indelible mark on the club.
Ramsey went on to make over 250 appearances for Arsenal, winning the FA Cup three times, before joining Juventus on a free transfer in 2019.
Following a somewhat disappointing stint in Italy, Ramsey spent last season at Nice. Throughout his career, he has emphasized that family considerations play a crucial role in his decision-making process.
In an interview with BBC Wales last month, Ramsey expressed his desire to eventually return to Cardiff City, acknowledging the pivotal role the club played in shaping his successful career:
“For sure one day I would love to go back there. It’s where I grew up, and them giving me that opportunity and platform to go on to what I have achieved so far in my career, I will forever be grateful.”
Cardiff City’s ongoing situation with an EFL transfer embargo adds an intriguing twist to Ramsey’s potential move. The club has faced restrictions after defaulting on the initial payment of the £15 million transfer fee for the late Emiliano Sala.
However, under the current embargo, which has recently been reduced to January 2024, Cardiff is still permitted to sign players on free transfers.
