Goncalo Ramos to Man Utd: How Benfica plan to block a move

Suraj Radia

22 Sept 2022 20:36 BST
3 min read

Goncalo Ramos is reportedly on the radar of Manchester United and Bayern Munich but Benfica are desperate to keep their star striker and will attempt to block any move for him.

Article continues under the video

The 21-year-old has become Benfica's go-to man after the sale of Darwin Nunez in the summer and he has begun the new season with four goals in six league games.

Ramos had been linked to Southampton and Newcastle in the summer but neither side were willing to match Benfica's rumoured €40 million asking price.

Ramos' form has seen him called up to the Portuguese national team for the first time and he could even end up playing a part in the upcoming World Cup, potentially further boosting his profile.

With Benfica well aware over Ramos' rising reputation and they are preparing a new contract on improved terms in order to keep hold of their talisman.

Ramos still has four years remaining on a deal that he signed just last year and the €100m release clause in the contract will likely remain to deter the likes of United, who are thought to be considering a bid for him in January.

Will Man Utd move for Ramos in January?

Ramos has eight goals in 12 games in all competitions this season after scoring four times in Benfica's Champions League qualifiers and the forward has been praised for his defensive contribution as well as his all-round game.

United are believed to have identified Ramos as a long-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who could still leave the club in January after being relegated to the bench so far this season.

Red Devils' boss Erik ten Hag spent more than £200m in the summer but was unable to sign the out-and-out striker that he desperately wanted, though the blow has been softened by the resurgence to form of Marcus Rashford.

Goals ✅
No goal? Assist ✅
No G/A? Penalty won ✅

An important player to how the team plays and a tireless pressing machine, Gonçalo Ramos is proving his doubters wrong. 🔫🔫 pic.twitter.com/xhrRUFjeTm
— Benfica Youth (@SLBenficaYouth) September 14, 2022

With the club hinting towards a quiet January, Ten Hag is unlikely to have much money to spend in the winter and reports have suggested United could test Benfica's resolve with a bid of €30m for Ramos.

However, with Bayern, Paris Saint-Germain and Wolves also monitoring Ramos, it would likely take a significantly higher amount to convince Benfica to sell, while the player himself has made no indication that he wishes to leave.