Newcastle United are reportedly leading the race to sign SL Benfica’s young striker Goncalo Ramos this summer.
According to Portuguese publication Record, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle United have emerged as the frontrunners for the signing of SL Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos, who is also attracting interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
Goncalo Ramos has been with SL Benfica for nine years now, having joined their youth academy in 2013. Since then, he has gradually developed through the ranks, the 21-year-old impressed heavily for the Portuguese giants’ B team, scoring 15 goals in 37 matches. He made his senior debut for Benfica in July 2020 and has since made 62 appearances, netting 17 goals and setting up six more.
Ramos has been a prolific goalscorer for Portugal’s Under-21 side as well, finding the back of the net on 14 occasions from just 18 games. He has started the new season in good touch, scoring a hat-trick in Benfica’s UEFA Champions League qualifying fixture against FC Midtjylland earlier this month.
Ramos’ goalscoring acumen and vast potential has sparked the interest of several clubs across Europe, with Newcastle United among those keen on acquiring his services. The Magpies are on the lookout for a new centre-forward after missing out on the signing of Hugo Ekitike, who joined PSG this summer.
Newcastle United have Callum Wilson and Chris Wood as options in the centre-forward role. However, the former is injury-prone, and the latter has not been a consistent source of goals for the Tyneside outfit since his arrival in January earlier this year. It has forced manager Eddie Howe to consider adding another striker to the squad before the window closes.
Newcastle United have been linked with several options, such as Benjamin Sesko, Armando Broja and Rasmus Hojlund, with Goncalo Ramos also emerging as a target for the Magpies. Newcastle got a first-hand look at the 21-year-old during the pre-season when they faced Benfica in the Eusebio Cup. And his performance on the day has seemingly left a big impression on Howe.
While the Tyneside outfit were having to face competition from PSG in pursuit of the 21-year-old Portuguese ace, the report states that the Premier League club are the ‘most advanced’ in the race to land the striker.
It is stated that Newcastle United are finishing preparing an offer worth €30 million which they plan to submit to Benfica. However, the Portuguese side could demand around €40 million for their prized asset. Whether the Tyneside giants can close the deal for Ramos in the coming days remains to be seen.
