Goncalo Ramos of Benfica has apparently been designated as Manchester United‘s top transfer target. Due to Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent departure, the Red Devils are on the market for a new center-forward, and it is thought that the team is willing to spend a lot of money on the ideal player in January.
Cody Gakpo of PSV Eindhoven and Memphis Depay of Barcelona are two strikers who have been connected with a move to Old Trafford, but Ramos has reportedly been “selected” by Man United head coach Ten Hag, according to Calciomercato.
However, any transfer for the Portugal international in January is expected to be extremely difficult as Benfica is reportedly unwilling to sell him for less than his £105 million release clause.
Ramos has been in excellent form with Benfica during the 2022–23 season, making 22 appearances across all competitions while tallying 15 goals and six assists. In 11 league games, the attacker achieved nine goals and three assists.
In six Champions League group stage matches, he scored once and contributed one assist.
United in pursuit of Goncalo Ramos
Ramos, meanwhile, left a lasting impression for Portugal at the 2022 World Cup, scoring three goals and providing one assist in four matches.
The forward, who replaced Ronaldo for the match against Switzerland on December 6, scored three goals and contributed one assist in a 6-1 triumph for his nation.
Ramos joined Benfica as a young player and made his first-team debut the following year.
The Portuguese has now made 81 appearances for the Eagles across all competitions, and during that time, he has scored 29 goals and provided 10 assists.
It appeared that Man United intended to cling onto Ronaldo for the remainder of the current campaign before adding a new center-forward the following summer.
However, the 20-time English champions ended Ronaldo’s contract at the end of last month as a result of his recent TalkTV interview with Piers Morgan.
Before the second half of the season, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are the only senior alternatives for the club at center-forward, and the former has had trouble with injuries this year.
Ten Hag’s options in the last third of the pitch are further constrained by Jadon Sancho’s ongoing training away from the first squad to increase his fitness.
Man United returned to competitive play on Wednesday night, defeating Burnley 2-0 to go to the EFL Cup quarterfinals, where they will face Charlton Athletic at Old Trafford.
For more Sports updates please follow us on Twitter
