Man Utd target €120m ‘new Ronaldo’ as summer transfer ‘seems inevitable’

Will Ford
Man Utd target Goncalo Ramos celebrates scoring

Goncalo Ramos is reportedly near the top of Manchester United’s transfer wishlist with a summer move from Benfica now ‘inevitable’.

The 21-year-old has 21 goals and eight assists in 33 appearances for Benfica this season and has drawn admiring glances from a number of top European clubs.

Ramos put himself on the radar at the World Cup after he scored a hat-trick against Switzerland having replaced Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal’s starting lineup.

The striker is under contract until 2026 and has a €120m release clause, but that appears not to be putting off United, with manager Erik ten Hag thought to be a big admirer.

A Bola (via Sport Witness) claim a summer transfer now ‘seems inevitable’ and interested parties may be able to pay below Ramos’ release clause should he push for the exit.

The report names United as frontrunners in the race to sign him, though Paris Saint-Germain are also thought to be in the frame.

Former United midfielder Kleberson said in December that Ramos can be “their new Cristiano Ronaldo”, with a move to Old Trafford one to suit all parties.

Kleberson said: “They still need to find the perfect way they want to play, because since Sir Alex Ferguson left, they’ve struggled with their identity.

“Under Ferguson, you knew exactly what you were getting, and the spine of his team was so important; a solid centre-back, a tough midfielder and a goalscorer.

“In my opinion, it’s that last area where they need to strengthen; they need someone who can come in and get goals.

“Even if it takes that player a little while to get used to whatever system the manager wants to play, they need a guaranteed goalscorer. Goncalo Ramos, the Portuguese kid, can be that guy.

“He’s really young, but he’s already shown us what he’s capable of, on the biggest stage of all at the World Cup, scoring a hat-trick against Switzerland.

“The way he plays, and how he moves and interacts with his teammates… he could be their new Cristiano Ronaldo. A move to United would be a good thing for him.”

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