Aaron Ramsey has agreed to sign for Mexican side Club Universidad Nacional, commonly known as "Pumas UNAM", turning down the opportunity to become Cardiff City's permanent manager. The 34-year-old Welsh midfielder is set to make a surprising career move across the Atlantic after briefly serving as interim manager at his boyhood club.
"There's a lot to play for and that World Cup is a massive carrot being dangled," Ramsey stated back in April, clearly indicating his desire to continue his playing career.
The former Arsenal and Juventus player would become the first high-profile British footballer to compete in the Mexican league if the deal is finalized. Not bad for a player currently recovering from hamstring surgery.
Ramsey's decision leaves "Cardiff City" searching for a new manager after he led the team for the final three matches of the Championship season following Omer Riza's dismissal. Despite bookmakers making him the heavy favorite for the permanent position, the Welsh international has opted to focus on his playing career instead.
Interestingly, Ramsey returned to Cardiff in 2023, but injuries severely limited his appearances. His move to Mexico appears aimed at revitalizing his career and securing his place in the Wales squad for next summer's World Cup.
"Pumas UNAM" finished sixth in the 2024-25 Mexican standings and qualified for the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The Guadalajara-based club reportedly entered "advanced talks" with Ramsey before securing his signature.
Can the injury-prone midfielder stay fit enough in Mexico to realize his World Cup dreams with Wales? That remains the biggest question surrounding this unexpected transfer.
