Manchester United is intensifying its search for a striker, although it is unlikely that they will be successful in luring Goncalo Ramos away from Benfica.
The 22-year-old striker, who has become one of the most sought-after offensive players in European football, is a target for Paris Saint-Germain. United has already been urged by Bruno Fernandes to make a move for his Portugal international teammate.
According to Mirror Football, the striker’s sale this summer has been mandated by superagent Jorge Mendes. Ramos, the de facto successor for Darwin Nunez, had something of a breakthrough season for the Lisbon giants this season, scoring 27 goals.
After Cristiano Ronaldo left United last year and Wout Weghorst’s loan agreement expired, United is in severe need of at least one new striker. The only known striker whose choice is playing in the central offensive role is Anthony Martial, whose fitness continues to raise questions at the club.
Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund has become United’s top choice for an attacking player after the team was unable to sign either Harry Kane of Tottenham or Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. However, finding Hojlund is not an easy task, and Ramos was a good alternative.
The Portuguese newspaper CM reports that PSG has submitted an offer of €80 million (£68.5 million) for Ramos, which would increase any transfer valuation should United express interest. This complicates any move for the Benfica striker.
Ramos led an outstanding season for Benfica, helping them to win the Portuguese league title. Ramos took Cristiano Ronaldo’s place in the starting lineup for Portugal in the World Cup knockout rounds, scoring an incredible hat-trick in his team’s 6-1 thrashing of Switzerland in the Round of 16.
Ramos excelled on the European scene and contributed to 12 additional goals in addition to his goal total. Benfica won their Champions League group, which also featured Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, before Inter terminated their incredible run in the quarterfinals.
The 21-year-old, who joined Benfica at the age of 12, is a product of the club’s renowned youth programme and might be the latest in a long line of stars to leave for a sizable transfer fee. Fernandes, a United playmaker, has already encouraged the team to recruit the striker.
According to Record, Fernandes stated to Portuguese station Sport TV in May, “I think Goncalo [Ramos] has all the prerequisites to play in the Premier League.” He plays with a lot of vigour, presses effectively, and is excellent in the penalty area. He is powerful. He is obviously still quite young and will develop significantly.
“If he keeps working as hard as he has so far, I believe he has the potential to become one of the finest strikers in the world,” continued Fernandes. He is already very near to that level, but he still needs to enter a league with higher competition and demonstrate his abilities. He will go there, which I think he is fully capable of doing.
Fernandes said when asked if the striker might join United this summer: “Here, the finest players will always be valued, be it Goncalo or someone else. I believe he possesses all the necessary skills to compete in the Premier League, and by Premier League, I also mean Manchester United.
“I believe he has a lot of potential as a reference in the future. But the decision still rests with the sporting director; I have no control over it. I’ll make those choices when I’m in that situation.