Aaron Ramsey agrees shock transfer as Cardiff City manager hunt thrown into chaos

The former Arsenal and Juventus star is desperate to lead Wales into battle at next year’s World Cup and a move to Mexico would be the perfect way to acclimatise to the demands of next summer’s tournament

Aaron Ramsey has agreed a deal to sign for Pumas UNAM in Mexico – taking himself out of the race to be the next Cardiff City manager. He would become the first high-profile British player to play in the Mexican league should the formalities of the move be completed.

Ramsey was appointed Cardiff interim manager for the final three games of the Championship season after the club sacked Omer Riza. But the 34-year-old was unable to prevent Cardiff from being relegated to the third tier.

He had been eager to discuss the opportunity of taking the role on and combining it with playing duties and, at one point, had been heavy favourite with bookmakers. But the ex-Arsenal and Juventus star had also made it clear that he wants to continue his playing career and lead Wales at the World Cup next summer.

“There’s a lot to play for and that World Cup is a massive carrot being dangled,” Ramsey said in April.

According to the Press Association, Ramsey has agreed a deal to sign for Pumas – also known a Club Universidad Nacional. They finished sixth in the 2024-25 Mexican standings and qualified for the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

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Ramsey returned to his boyhood club Cardiff in 2023, but injuries have restricted his game time and he is currently recovering from hamstring surgery.

Cardiff are continuing their quest to find a permanent replacement for Riza, having seen top target Nathan Jones agree a new long-term contract with Championship new boys Charlton Athletic.

Des Buckingham, Brian Barry-Murphy and Ian Evatt have all been previously considered.

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