Aaron Ramsey has agreed to sign for Mexican side Club Universidad Nacional, commonly known as "Pumas UNAM," ending speculation about his potential managerial role at Cardiff City. The 34-year-old Welsh midfielder is set to become the first high-profile British player to compete in the Mexican league.
"There's a lot to play for and that World Cup is a massive carrot being dangled," Ramsey stated back in April, highlighting his desire to continue his playing career rather than transition into management.
The former Arsenal and Juventus star had been serving as interim manager for the final three games of Cardiff's Championship season after the club sacked Omer Riza. Despite being the bookmakers' favorite to take the permanent position, Ramsey has opted to pursue his playing ambitions instead.
Interestingly, "Pumas" finished sixth in the 2024-25 Mexican standings and qualified for the CONCACAF Champions Cup - offering Ramsey a competitive platform to maintain his form ahead of next summer's World Cup with Wales.
Currently recovering from hamstring surgery, the midfielder's game time had been limited since returning to his boyhood club Cardiff in 2023. The move to Mexico represents a fresh start and an unusual career choice for a player of his pedigree.
According to Mexican TV reporter Andres Vaca, the deal is nearly finalized. "I don't know if they're selling me smoke, they just told me that Aaron Ramsey is going to join Pumas," Vaca said on the Seleccione2 podcast. "They told me it's almost a confirmation."
What does this mean for Cardiff's managerial search? The Championship club now finds itself without its preferred candidate, with Nathan Jones agreeing a new deal at Charlton. Names like Des Buckingham, Brian Barry-Murphy and Ian Evatt have previously been considered. Will any of them step into the role? The decision was expected early next week.
