Manchester United ready to pay release clause to sign 'the next Cristiano Ronaldo': report
Manchester United are set to bow to demands in order to land the next world-class striker out of Portugal
Manchester United have agreed internally to pay the release clause of the player being dubbed 'the next Cristiano Ronaldo'.
Erik ten Hag is already searching for new recruits for next season, with the frontline being of major importance already. The Red Devils have relied on Dutch forward Wout Weghorst for the second half of the season, highlighting their need for a more prolific striker.
Harry Kane remains the top target, with Victor Osimhen another solid option. But now, one Portuguese starlet is on the radar – and far more attainable than the top tier options.
Portuguese outlet A Bola are reporting that Manchester United are ready to pay Benfica for super striker Goncalo Ramos, matching the release clause in order to bring the talent to Old Trafford.
Ramos caught attention at the World Cup when he stepped in for the dropped Cristiano Ronaldo in the knockout stages of the competition – and scored a hat-trick against the Swiss. Enjoying a solid season in the Primeira Liga, he and Benfica are still in the Champions League, too.
With reports indicating the release clause could top £100 million, however, the 21-year-old will not come cheaply.
The Lisbon outfit don't need the money though and certainly don't feel pressured to sell. In the last 12 months, they have sold Darwin Nunez for a fee upwards of £75m, before letting Enzo Fernandez go for over £100m.
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United are also said to be in the market for another No.8 in midfield, a right-back to upgrade on Aaron Wan-Bissaka and potentially a new centre-back and goalkeeper in what could be an expensive transfer window.
Ramos is valued at €40m by Transfermarkt.
More Manchester United stories
Manchester United are looking to capitalise on their resurgence in the transfer market, with big new signings. Victor Osimhen is one option for €100m, Declan Rice is on the radar and Jeremie Frimpong could arrive as a new right-back. More outlandish theories include signing Kylian Mbappe and selling Marcus Rashford to Arsenal.
The Glazer ownership are not guaranteed to sell up – despite bids from lifelong fan, Sir Jim Radcliffe and Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford has underlined the importance of positive mentality at Old Trafford.
Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.