Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has selected his top transfer target from a shortlist of five strikers to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.
Notwithstanding their interest in Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen, Erik ten Hag has given Manchester United’s board the “go-ahead” to sign Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos.
Goncalo Ramos had an impressive World Cup season when he scored a hat-trick in the round of 16.
Ramos, 21, is one of the most intriguing young players in Europe and has 24 goals this year for Benfica. He gained notoriety at the World Cup in Qatar when he started in place of Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal’s match against Switzerland and scored a hat-trick.
After that game, Ramos referred to Ronaldo as “my reference” and labeled him a “idol.” Although the Red Devils are still interested in other forwards, he might now follow in the footsteps of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner by finalizing a summer transfer to Old Trafford.
According to Spanish outlet AS, Ten Hag has given the go-ahead for Ramos’ contract, but the agreement is contingent on United’s acquisition. Among those attempting to ᴘᴜʀᴄʜᴀsᴇ the club from the Glazers are INEOS CEO Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari financier Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Man Utd’s transfer will depend a lot on changing owners.
Whether the takeover procedure will be concluded by the summer is uncertain. In November, the Glazers put United up for sale, which limited Ten Hag’s spending in January as the Dutchman only made loan signings. Ronaldo left by mutual accord in November, and Burnley loaned Wout Weghorst in his place.
Ramos’ release clause is reportedly less than United’s asking price of €100 million (£88 million), which is what Ramos is aiming for. The ꜰᴀᴄᴛ that Benfica refused to waive Enzo Fernandez’s release clause, requiring Chelsea to pay £107 million in January, presents a challenge for the Red Devils.
Ramos is thought to have caught United’s attention after his incredible hat-trick against Switzerland, which enabled Portugal to win 6-1 and go to the World Cup quarterfinals. Ronaldo’s chances of winning in Qatar were dashed by Morocco’s 1-0 victory in the semifinals.
Ramos had previously been compared to Barcelona legend Luis Suarez. Ramos has also supplied 10 assists for Benfica this season. Darwin Nunez, who went to Liverpool last summer from Lisbon, has been replaced in Lisbon by the up-and-coming star.
Ramos has successfully completed the task left by Nunez.
Ramos went poetic about Ronaldo following Switzerland’s victory. He stated: “This team is led by Cristiano Ronaldo. He is the team’s captain and a strong leader, and we like competing alongside him. He serves as my model and the hero of many of us. My role models are Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.”
Kane, who is ʀᴜᴍᴏʀᴇᴅ to be moving to Old Trafford for £80 million this summer from Tottenham, may be concerned by United’s interest in Ramos. Kane wants to stay in England and break the all-time scoring record for the Premier League, but he has few options.
Osimhen, 24, of Napoli, Randal Kolo Muani, 24, of Eintracht Frankfurt, and Rasmus Holjund, 20, of Atalanta are other players who United is interested in. This summer, they appear set on adding a striker.
When talking about Ramos earlier this month, Benfica manager Roger Schmidt remarked, “I admire his attitude, which he provides to the squad.” “He’s young, he’s scoring goals in the Champions League, so it makes sense that other clubs would be interested in him.”
Roger Schmidt has praise for the spirit of Goncalo Ramos.