Aheed Abrar
Manchester United approach for Goncalo Ramos ‘knocked back’ by SL Benfica
SL Benfica have ‘knocked back’ an approach from Manchester United for their talisman Goncalo Ramos recently, according to Portuguese outlet Record (h/t Manchester Evening News).
For some months now, the Old Trafford side have been monitoring the Portugal international’s development. Subsequently, the Red Devils got in touch with the Eagles through the 21-year-old’s agent Jorge Mendes.
The young striker is one of the several players the Manchester-based club are keeping an eye on to bolster the forward line. Erik ten Hag is expected to go big for an attacker in the upcoming transfer window.
However, initial discussions have been rejected by the Primeira Liga outfit. They do not want to enter talks for any of their players until the end of the season.
Benfica president Rui Costa wants to keep his stars focused on the pitch. The Eagles are currently top of the league in Portugal and have impressed many with their performances in the Champions League, beating Club Brugge 2-0 in the first leg of the round of 16.
Ramos has been pivotal to Roger Schmidt’s team’s success this term. The 21-year-old has made 30 appearances in all competitions for the Primeira Liga outfit, scoring 18 goals and providing eight assists.
Rounding off a #FIFAWorldCup hat-trick 🇵🇹✨@Goncalo88Ramos | @selecaoportugal
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) February 13, 2023
The youngster also shone for Portugal in the 2022 World Cup. He scored an emphatic hat-trick against Switzerland in the round of 16 in Qatar. However, the Euro 2016 winners were knocked out by Morocco in the quarter-finals.
At United, Anthony Martial and Wout Weghorst are the only two natural strikers at Erik ten Hag’s disposal. The France international has had issues with injuries this season, while the Burnley loanee is at the club only until the end of the campaign.
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Therefore, the Red Devils evidently need reinforcements up top. Ramos’ age and potential make him an enticing option. However, it is also a risky one considering the 21-year-old has had just one good season in Portugal.
