A few months ago, it even seemed like Manchester United’s pursuit of Benfica striker Gonçalo Ramos could be one of the big stories in the summer.
The Portuguese media seemed really convinced that the Red Devils would go after the centre-forward, but that story became a lot quieter recently.
It turns out that as Bruno Fernandes was today interviewed by his home country’s press, he was about Ramos and those rumours. The Manchester United midfielder spoke to Sportv, and it’s Mais Futebol who brings the quotes.
“I think Gonçalo has all the conditions to play in the Premier League. He has a lot of intensity, presses very well and is very good inside the box. He surprised me a lot at the national team as well as the other teammates. Physically, he’s strong and obviously he’s going to improve a lot because he’s young.”
“If he continues to work as he has worked so far, I believe he has the potential to be one of the best strikers in the world. He’s already close to that level, but he still needs to go to a more competitive league and prove it there. I believe he has all the capabilities for that.”
The journalists were a little more insistent by quizzing Bruno whether he’d take Ramos to Manchester United, and the midfielder didn’t want to have that responsibility.
“Here the best always work out, whether Gonçalo or someone else. He has all the qualities to play in the Premier League and when I say Premier League I also mean Manchester United. I think he could become a great reference in the coming years, but it’s still not in my hands to be sports director. When I become one, I will make those decisions.”
Gonçalo Ramos had 27 goals and 12 assists in 47 games for Benfica this season. Besides the good form which helped the Eagles in the hunt for the league title, he also stood out in the World Cup.
What makes it difficult to sign him from the Lisbon side is that he’s protected by a €120m release clause, and the Portuguese champions are unlikely to give big discounts.
