Man Utd transfer target has €40m SLASHED from asking price

Robin Bairner

• 19 Jul 2023 11:10 BST
• 4 min read

Manchester United are in the market for a No.9 this summer, with Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen and Rasmus Hojlund names often associated with a transfer to Old Trafford.

But Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos is another player that the Red Devils have been linked with over the course of the last year, with interest building prior to the World Cup, when he was hailed as Cristiano Ronaldo’s natural successor for both club and country.

Although Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag is a fan of the 22-year-old centre-forward, Benfica’s asking price had been an off-putting factor in any deal. The Portuguese outfit were reportedly holding out for the player’s release clause of €120 million – the figure they got when they sold Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea in January.

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This figure, though, has not been forthcoming from any clubs, perhaps unsurprisingly given that Ramos has only played little over 100 senior games for Benfica and the 2022/23 season was his first as a regular starter.

In response, O Jogo (via FootMercato), reports that the Lisbon outfit are now willing to listen to offers of around €80m for the player – a saving of €40m on the previously quoted figure.

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Man Utd face PSG competition for Ramos

Man Utd are still unable to move for the player at this price, with Ten Hag’s transfer budget having been used up on signing Mason Mount from Chelsea and Andre Onana from Inter Milan – a deal that will soon be completed.

There is the possibility of raising money for transfers through sales, but United are struggling to move players on. They have been given a boost in this regard, however, with the news that Chelsea are eyeing a shock move for Harry Maguire.

The real problem Man Utd face in the battle to sign Goncalo Ramos, though, is that PSG are accelerating on a deal with the player, as FootballTransfer exclusively revealed. The French club are in position to make a move immediately and are seeking a centre-forward.

Nevertheless, the news that Benfica are willing to compromise on the price of Ramos should give Ten Hag and Man Utd heart that there are still deals to be done before the end of the window – and the Portugal international may even be one of those should the stars align.