Manchester United are ‘already ahead’ in the race to sign Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos but could face fresh competition from Tottenham Hotspur, according to O Jogo (page 6).
The Red Devils are eyeing a marquee striker during the summer transfer window, and it has recently been reported that they are ‘in the lead‘ to sign Ramos.
The Portuguese striker currently has a release clause worth €120 million in his contract, but Benfica are prepared to sanction his sale for around €80m.
O Jogo now report that United are ‘already ahead’ in the pursuit of Ramos, but they could face competition from Spurs in the coming weeks.
Paris Saint-Germain are set to appoint Luis Enrique as their new manager, and it is claimed that they could target Harry Kane to replace Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe recently confirmed that he won’t be extending his contract expiring in June 2024, and Les Parisiens seem prepared to sell him this summer.
O Jogo highlight that ‘Tottenham target Ramos’ as a replacement for Kane.
United have upper hand over Spurs in Ramos’ pursuit
Spurs prefer to offload Kane to a foreign club this summer. If Paris Saint-Germain succeed in landing him, they could target Ramos as a potential replacement.
However, United should have the upper hand to sign the 21-year-old, given their good relationship with his agent Jorge Mendes over the past two decades.
Furthermore, the Red Devils have qualified for the Champions League unlike Spurs, who won’t be playing any form of European football in the next campaign.
Ramos would be a perfect striker for manager Erik ten Hag next term. He had a sensational 2022/23 season, scoring 27 goals and providing 12 assists for Benfica.
Aside from his goal involvements, Ramos has excelled with his regular high pressing. He won nearly five duels per game last season which is impressive for a striker.
The Benfica graduate is also good with his hold-up play and is very mobile in the final third. For the price reported, he would represent a fantastic signing.
Ramos should only get better with age and experience. The Portuguese has all the traits to become a truly world-class striker for the Red Devils in future.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
