Manchester United are reportedly ready to splash the cash for Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos, a target for Newcastle United.
According to The Sun, Manchester United are ready to speed up the process to bring in Goncalo Ramos, a target for Newcastle United, in the January transfer window. Despite all the chatter in the summer, the Red Devils failed to recruit an out-and-out striker, with Erik ten Hag still looking to slot in a perfect goal poacher to his squad.
Goncalo Ramos started this season in superb fashion as he hit a hat-trick against Midtjylland and continued his excellent form in the Portuguese top-flight too. Following the departure of Darwin Nunez to Liverpool, the 21-year-old has been the preferred option for Roger Schmidt, and the youngster has not disappointed at all, scoring eight goals in five games in all competitions so far.
Manchester United spent more than £200 million in the summer to rope in five players, including Brazilian winger Antony. But Erik ten Hag is still not happy with the way his attacking contingent has shaped up.
With Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford out injured, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the only fit centre forward at the Manchester United manager’s disposal. And with uncertainty looming around Ronaldo’s future, Manchester United are looking to fill in the gaps if the Portuguese stalwart leaves.
Ramos came through Benfica’s well-regarded youth system and is yet to be capped by the senior Portuguese team. The 21-year-old has represented Portugal’s under-21 side and has netted 14 goals in 18 appearances.
Marcus Rashford has enjoyed a fruitful spell under ten Hag’s guidance, and the English forward is likely to flourish more as he has shown his utility down the middle. But Ramos could be the answer to Manchester United’s long-term problem, scoring goals.
The Red Devils had to rely on Cristiano Ronaldo last season to get their feet up in the top flight, and with Ronaldo no more the same agile striker, reinforcements must be adopted. Ramos has a £100 million release clause in his Benfica deal, which runs until 2026.
But the Manchester United hierarchy is unlikely to sanction another big money move, having already spent a large sum for Antony this summer. The Portuguese forward is valued at around £25 million, and Manchester United are ready to match that price if they receive the green signal from the Portuguese outfit.
Newcastle United had been a keen admirer of the player throughout the summer, but they shifted their focus to Spain and signed Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad for a staggering £63 million. So it is unclear if Newcastle will still be interesting in pushing for a move for Ramos, despite his cost-effective £25 million price tag
Also Read: Alexander Isak: Newcastle United’s club-record signing set to take Premier League by storm
Generally, it becomes very difficult for a club to poach a player who is central to others’ plans and it remains to be seen how Manchester United approach the winter transfer window. For now, the Portuguese forward has emerged on Manchester United’s radar over a possible January move, with Bayern Munich and Newcastle also tracking him.
