Just in time for international break, Manchester United’s transfer interest in a new striker is being reported.
The Sun report United have an eye on Benfica striker Gonçalo Ramos.
United are frequently linked to players in Portugal’s top flight. In the past the club have swooped for Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Victor Lindelof, Nani, Anderson, and Cristiano Ronaldo from the Primeira Liga.
So what can we tell you about the latest Manchester United transfer target…
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Who is Gonçalo Ramos
1) Goncalo Ramos is claimed to be valued at £25 million – but also has a £100 million release clause in his Benfica contract, so the Portuguese club could hike their asking price.
2) This season Ramos is on fire, scoring four goals in six league games. Add in four from the Champions League qualifiers and his tally is eight goals in 12 matches – plus two assists.
3) Ramos has a staggering record at under-21 level for Portugal, scoring 14 goals in 18 matches. He is yet to make his senior international debut.
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4) He was a runner-up in the 2020 UEFA Youth League final, scoring twice in a 3-2 final defeat to Real Madrid. He scored a brace in a win over Liverpool in the quarter-final.
5) Ramos wears the number 88 at Benfica, where he is under contract until 2026.
Verdict
O Jogo reported this year that some at Benfica view Ramos’ exit as ‘inevitable’. His excellent form is only likely to fast-track his eventual departure.
The £25 million valuation is fanciful. If he keeps on scoring goals then Benfica will hold out for far more, as they have done with strikers Joao Felix and Darwin Nunez in the recent past.
Ramos is only 21 and is an exciting talent, one who Erik ten Hag could enjoy working with at Manchester United in the future. Given his young age and potential, this is the type of forward United should be targeting.
United would be smart to test Benfica’s resolve in January, before his scoring form continues and price increases, ahead of next summer.