Man Utd on alert as Benfica eye ex-Barcelona striker to replace Ten Hag target

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 17 Apr 2023 20:29 BST
• 2 min read

Manchester United could receive a boost in their bid to sign a striker this summer with Benfica already planning for a future without Goncalo Ramos.

The 21-year-old is high on United’s shortlist as they search for an elite number nine and Benfica are reportedly resigned to losing their talisman, who has 17 goals in 24 league games this season.

Benfica are used to losing star players to major European sides, with Ramos himself enjoying a breakout season after the €100 million departure of Darwin Nunez to Liverpool last summer.

FIGHT: United to battle Bayern for Ramos

And it appears the Portuguese side are preparing for another major sale this summer with Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reporting that Benfica are already monitoring Club Brugge striker Ferran Jutgla as Ramos’ successor.

Jutgla only joined the Belgian outfit last summer from Barcelona and has scored 12 times in his debut season with Brugge, prompting Benfica to take note, although Lazio are also credited with an interest.

Although Barcelona are due a 10% of the profit Brugge would receive, money is thought to be no object for Benfica, who will likely receive a substantial fee for Ramos prior to amking a move for Jutgla.

Ramos’ stock rising as United eye new striker

Ramos is seen as a cheaper alternative for United compared to their ideal signings such as Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen, both of whom will likely cost in excess of €100m.

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United are desperate to sign a striker this summer and have scouted Ramos extensively, although Benfica will demand a significant amount for him having tuned down bids of around €30m last summer.

The striker is valued by FootballTransfers at €40m and Benfica are hoping to receive his release clause of €120m, although they are expected to negotiate for a smaller figure.

Ramos also boosted his profile dramatically during the 2022 World Cup, scoring a hat-trick against Switzerland after starting ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, the player who he is seen as a replacement for at United.

Ronaldo left Old Trafford in December but United have struggled to replace the impact of their top scorer from last season, with January loan signing Wout Weghorst scoring just twice in 22 games.