Manchester United 'considering bid' for Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos
This would be a major move.
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Topics: Manchester United, Benfica, Premier League, Bruno Fernandes, Transfers, Paris Saint-Germain
Ryan Smart
Topics: Manchester United, Benfica, Premier League, Bruno Fernandes, Transfers, Paris Saint-Germain
Manchester United considering a big-money bid to sign Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos, it has been reported.
Ramos effectively launched himself on to the world stage during the 2022 World Cup, in which he scored a hat-trick for Portugal during a 6-1 thrashing of Switzerland in the last 16.
Prior to that, the 22-year-old striker had been installed as Darwin Nunez's replacement at Benfica, following the Uruguayan's move to Liverpool last summer.
A total of 19 goals in 30 Liga Portugal appearances followed for the youngster, who also received praise from United vice-captain Bruno Fernandes for his performances, ability and potential.
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Speaking during the World Cup, Fernandes explained (quotes via The Athletic): "People are not aware of the quality of the Portuguese league. Benfica have been doing really well in the Champions League, so people should be aware of Goncalo, of his qualities.
"He's a player that runs and works a lot, helps the team defensively. He's that type of striker that is everywhere."
And in May, Fernandes told Brazilian outlet Sportv (via A Bola): "If he continues to work as he has worked so far, I believe he has the potential to be one of the best strikers in the world.
"He's already close to that level, but he still needs to go to a more competitive league and prove it there. I believe he has the capabilities for that."
Now, according to a new report, that last line could soon become a reality.
Man Utd 'considering Goncalo Ramos bid'
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, an unnamed club are willing to bid €60 million (£51 million) to sign Ramos from Benfica this summer.
It is hinted that United or PSG are the most interested club in the striker's services, with United boss Erik ten Hag said to 'admire' his qualities, and is said to be 'evaluating' the possibility of submitting a bid.
However, the Portuguese giants want to keep Ramos, who fired them to the Liga Portugal title last season.
It is claimed that Benfica boss Roger Schmidt wants to retain Ramos 'not only for his goalscoring effectiveness, but also for his exemplary performance of defensive duties, namely in the first line of pressure'.
But the club are still prepared to lose Ramos to another club - and he could be the ideal signing for Ten Hag and United as they look to solve a striker crisis that dogged them during the second half of the most recent campaign.
Ramos is nicknamed 'The Wizard', or 'Sorcerer', by team-mates, and previously explained the reasoning behind the monicker in an interview with Mais Futbol: "How did I get that nickname? Because I have some luck on the rebounds, the ball always came to me.
"They started calling me that in the national team and in Benfica and it stayed until today."