MY ACCOUNT
Goncalo Ramos looks destined to depart Benfica this summer.
The prolific Portugal starlet, 21, has produced a phenomenal 25 goals in 38 games for the Eagles this term, drawing the attention of several European giants.
With Ramos set to spearhead his side’s attack against Inter Milan in tonight’s Champions League quarter-final first leg, we assess the youngster’s achievements to date and his possible next destinations.
Big impact
A year ago, Ramos’ reputation outside of his homeland was modest at best.
Having been on the fringes of Benfica’s first team, Darwin Nunez’s summer switch to Liverpool presented a regular starting berth to the academy graduate — and he seized his chance.
Nine goals in his first 11 Primeira Liga outings this season earned him a spot in Portugal’s squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar last winter, where Ramos truly announced himself on the global stage.
Given a start ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal’s last-16 clash with Switzerland, he rewarded Fernando Santos’ faith by netting a sublime hat-trick in a 6-1 romp.
It was far from a flash in the pan, either.
Ramos’ irresistible campaign has Benfica on the verge of a first league title in four years and in the Champions League’s last eight.
Whole package
Ramos offers far more than just goals — which is why his list of admirers has grown so rapidly.
The Algarve native certainly knows where the back of the net is, sitting joint-top of his domestic league scoring charts with 17 goals while also having bagged three times in the Champions League.
Yet Ramos also plays a key role in his side’s build-up play, frequently dropping deep to link up with midfielders before making surging runs forward into the box.
His physical attributes make him a capable operator in the air, while he still retains the blistering pace associated with most emerging marksmen at the top level.
All those traits make for a deadly combination.
United front
Supposedly towards the front of the queue for Ramos’ services are Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag desperate for reinforcements up front.
The Red Devils have been heavily reliant on the goals of Marcus Rashford this term, so signing Ramos would significantly lighten the load on their homegrown hero.
He seems to be a good fit for Ten Hag’s philosophy too, as one of the Primeira Liga’s most willing pressers out of possession.
Reports in Spain earlier this month suggested that the Dutch tactician has given the green light for United’s board to make a move this summer — though they are unlikely to have a clear run.
Bayern bound
Also in the race are Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, who are said to view Ramos as a successor to their former talisman Robert Lewandowski.
The Polish ace, 34, swapped Bavaria for Barcelona last summer but his old employers were unable to secure an immediate replacement, leaving them light of a No9 this term.
Thomas Tuchel recently took over the reins at the Allianz Arena and is keen to address the issue at the next possible opportunity, with Ramos high on the ex-Chelsea boss’ wish list.
While Ramos would not earn the same level of wage in Germany, his chances of continental glory would be significantly higher.
Time to shine
With a contract running until the summer of 2026, Ramos will not come cheap.
Benfica drive a notoriously hard bargain and anyone hoping to lure their prized possession will likely have to stump up north of £90million.
What is more, an impressive showing against Inter tonight could yet drive that valuation up even further.
