Aaron Ramsey has the choice of going to the MLS with Charlotte FC, or to stay in Europe with French club Nice.
The Daily Mail has reported that:
"Aaron Ramsey has offers from French side Nice and MLS side Charlotte as he looks to finalise a decision on his future this weekend.Charlotte are understood to have offered to make the 31-year-old their best paid player on a two year deal."
It’s a big decision for Ramsey, not just for his career but for his family and country as well. It will be interesting to see where the Welshman chooses to go next.
Why Should He Go to Nice?
Ramsey is only 31, and a player of his quality should still be able to cut it at the top level. He has a point to prove after a spell at Juventus, which did not go as well as hoped.
Ligue 1 is one of the top five European leagues and Nice finished a respectable fifth in the division last season. This has qualified the club for the Europa Conference League. Ramsey has a demon to address in Europe as he missed his penalty whilst on loan at Rangers last season, which handed the trophy to Eintracht Frankfurt. The player would not want this to be his last act on the European stage.
France is also a lot closer to home for Ramsey. Nice is located in the south of the country and not far from the border with Italy, so he will not have far to relocate. Impressively, he learnt Italian quickly when signing for the Old Lady, so he should have no problem mastering French.
The World Cup is looming and playing at a higher level will no doubt make sure he is a lot sharper for when the tournament begins in November. Wales is in a group with England, USA and Iran, Ramsey will need to be at the top of his game.
Sources: Charlotte FC indeed have an offer out for Welsh national team star Aaron Ramsey. Daily Mail reports Ramsey is choosing between Charlotte and Nice.
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) July 30, 2022
Ramsey, 31, is a free agent after leaving Juventus. Charlotte have Ramsey’s Discovery Rights in MLS. pic.twitter.com/CDL3jCml5N
Why Should He go to Charlotte?
With Charlotte offering to pay him more than any other player in their squad, the money would be tempting.
After playing at the top level in England and in Italy his whole career at 31, he may want to play in a less competitive league, which the MLS would offer.
Living in America would be an experience for him and his family, and he will not have to learn a new language. Although, the former Arsenal man may want to stay closer to home and has already proved that learning a new language is not a problem for him.
Moving to MLS would see him play in the same competition as his Wales teammate Gareth Bale. Charlotte is in the Eastern Conference while Bale’s LAFC competes in the Western Conference but the two sides could face each other in the playoffs.
Where will Ramsey go?
On a footballing level if he still feels he can compete at the top level he should choose Nice. He will likely still have opportunities to go to MLS in a few years’ time.
But we have seen Bale go out to the league recently and Ramsey may fancy the lifestyle of America.
It’s a big decision for him, and he will surely think about his family and his country while making his decision.