Revealed: Man Utd IGNORED Bruno Fernandes' transfer plea by signing Rasmus Hojlund

Cameron Smith

7 Aug 2023 11:43 BST
4 min read

Bruno Fernandes’ public plea for Manchester United to sign his international team-mate Goncalo Ramos has been ignored by the Red Devils, with the Benfica man set to join Paris Saint-Germain.

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Man Utd were heavily linked with Ramos for several months following his performances at the 2022 World Cup, but decided against pursuing a move for the 23-year-old.

Instead, they have signed Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta for a fee that could rise to €85 million if add-on clauses are met.

Furthermore, Ramos is now set to join PSG after a deal worth €65m, plus €15m in add-ons, was agreed with Benfica, according to Fabrizio Romano.

MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals

The Parisians have already added Marco Asensio to their forward line and are also advancing in talks with Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembele as they look to replace Kylian Mbappe - who is set to leave this summer.

Lionel Messi has departed the Parc des Princes this window, while Neymar is also talking to Barcelona over a possible return to Camp Nou.

Ramos has been identified as the ideal man to lead the line at PSG after he netted 27 goals and provided 12 assists for Benfica last season after being promoted to the role of first-choice striker following Darwin Nunez’s transfer to Liverpool.

MORE: Man Utd learn fate of €80m striker and see another transfer target slip away

That form prompted Bruno Fernandes to encourage Man Utd to pursue a deal for his Portugal team-mate.

In May, he told Portuguese channel Sport TV, via Record: “I think Goncalo [Ramos] has all the conditions to play in the Premier League. He plays with a lot of intensity, he presses very well and is really good inside the penalty area. He is strong. Obviously, he is still very young and will improve a lot.

“If he continues to work as he has worked so far, I believe he has the potential to become one of the best strikers in the world. He is already close to that level, but he still needs to go to a more competitive league and prove himself. He will go there, something I believe he has all the capabilities to do.

© ProShots - Bruno Fernandes wanted Man Utd to sign Goncalo Ramos

“Here [Man Utd], the best players will always be valued, be it Goncalo or someone else. I think he has all the qualities to play in the Premier League, and when I say in the Premier League, I also mean Manchester United.

"I think he could become a great reference in years to come. But it is still not in my hands, it is up to the sporting director. When I am in that position, I will make those decisions."

Man Utd ignore Fernandes

However, Man Utd decided against heavily pursuing a deal for Ramos and spent almost the exact same amount of money he would’ve cost on landing Hojlund.

By comparison, Hojlund, 20, scored nine Serie A goals for Atalanta last season and provided four assists. He is expected to take the number 17 shirt at Old Trafford once Fred is sold.