Goncalo Ramos: Manchester United to Pay Benfica’s £69m Asking Price?
Manchester United have been keeping tabs on Benfica star striker Goncalo Ramos since the Qatar World Cup last December, and reports suggest that the club is willing to pay the Portuguese side’s asking price of £69 million for the 22-year-old. Ramos made headlines in the tournament by scoring a hattrick against Switzerland after replacing Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal’s side.
Benfica President Rui Costa Believes Manchester United Will Pay Asking Price
Benfica president Rui Costa believes Manchester United will pay their asking price of £69million for star striker Goncalo Ramos, according to reports. In all, the 22-year-old scored 27 goals and made 12 assists last season as Benfica won the Primeira Liga title. United made enquiries back in January however financial restrictions prevented them from making a serious bid but Ramos remains on their shortlist with Erik ten Hag desperate to sign a centre-forward.
United Interest in Ramos Cooling Off as Financial Restrictions Take Hold
Harry Kane was United’s first choice but their interest in the England captain has cooled off due to his £100m price tag and Tottenham’s reluctance to sell to a Premier League rival. Other targets include Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani. Ramos is well-liked at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes pushing the club to sign his international teammate, though they may face competition from PSG who have identified him as a potential Kylian Mbappe replacement.
Benfica Turn Down £52m Bid from Unnamed Club
Interest in the young star is understandably high and reports claim that Benfica recently turned down a £52m bid from an unnamed club for their talisman. However, Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha, via the Daily Mail. have claimed that Costa is expecting United to make a move for Ramos soon and offer a fee close to the £69m they want for him. Though a cheaper option than most of their other targets, that fee would still present a significant investment for the Red Devils who are not flush with cash this summer.
Financial Restrictions Make it Difficult for United to Sign Ramos
It is said that unless sales are made, Ten Hag only has around £120m to play with, and with the manager also wanting a central-midfielder and goalkeeper a deal for Ramos or any striker for that matter will prove to be very difficult. United are set to improve their £55m bid Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount while heavily linked keeper Andre Onana is valued at over £40m by Inter Milan. As such, the club are willing to listen to offers for a dozen players at Old Trafford including captain Harry Maguire and Jadon Sancho.
Conclusion
Manchester United’s interest in Goncalo Ramos remains high despite their financial restrictions, and reports suggest that Benfica president Rui Costa expects them to make an offer close to his asking price of £69 million. With Ten Hag only having around £120m to play with, it remains to be seen if United can afford the Portuguese star or if they will have to look elsewhere for their centre-forward.