Real Madrid defender Pepe has announced his departure from Real Madrid. The 34 year will disassociate him from the club which he has been since 2007. Los Blancos signed him in 2007 and he went on to be a massive part of Real Madrid’s history. The Portuguese international has won three La Liga and three Champions League titles with the club in this long span.
Pepe has had an injury-driven season in Spain. He had two brief injury spells this season. Firstly, he injured his hamstring and then at the end of the season he fractured his ribs as Madrid had to play the remainder of the season without his service. However, Pepe could have understood that he is no longer a part of the first team strategy as both Raphael Varane and Nacho Fernandez had been preferred ahead of him.
Pepe has gone from strength to strength and has established himself as a key part of the first team but this season he hasn’t been able to create that much of influence this. Despite his growing age he still has that edge in him and a number of clubs will be vying for him.
Newcastle United
Rafa Benitez helped the Magpies to gain promotion and after spending only one year in the Championship they came back more strongly to the Premier League. Benitez will be looking for new defensive recruits and he might invite Pep to have a go in the Premier League.
Pepe’s age might act as a preventive factor but at the age of 34, Pepe has maintained his form brilliantly and could be an asset for him. The defender has a brilliant vision of the game and his strong presence in the back would be a boost for the Toons along with his experience.
His wage might be an issue for Newcastle but in the current scenario, Pep might take a pay cut to remain in the top flight football as he is eyeing the 2018 World Cup.
Chelsea
Antonio Conte is seeking defensive reinforcements and might take his eyes to Spain for his next move. Pepe has been one of the greatest defenders of this era and Conte might give him a chance to strut his stuff in England. Conte had failed to invite some big names to the Stamford Bridge and keeping that in mind Pepe could be a short term option for him.
Inter Milan
The Serie A club have been one of the biggest spenders off late and is destined to make some new signings. They certainly afford Pepe’s wage and after a disastrous season, owner Zhang Jindong will leave no stones unturned to have him at San Siro.
