Benfica president and Portuguese footballing legend Rui Costa has told interested parties that they must pay the full £103million clause to sign Goncalo Ramos – amid interest from Arsenal, Newcastle, Manchester United, and more.
Ramos, 21, has hit the headlines after netting a hat-trick for Portugal at the World Cup in the last 16. A 6-1 win over Switzerland. However, he could not replicate that success in the quarter-finals as Portugal suffered a defeat to Morocco.
But, Ramos’ stock is high. He came into this season with just 14 goals in 59 games for Benfica – only four assists. But his form has dramatically increased – having a hand in 20 goals in 21 games this season. He has 14 goals and six assists.
That, unsurprisingly, has led to Premier League interest. Give Me Sport says Arsenal, Newcastle, Manchester United, and other Premier League clubs are keen. But president Costa may have put a spanner in the works, in his latest comments.
“We have the sole objective of having a winning season, no player will leave – unless it is due to the clause – which at this moment is fundamental for the squad,” Costa said, as per 90Min. Ramos has a release clause worth £ 103 million.
COSTA: INTERESTED PARTIES MUST PAY THE FULL £103MILLION RAMOS CLAUSE
There is little chance that Ramos will be the subject of bids exceeding £100m come to the January window. So, it is more than likely that Ramos will remain at Benfica until the summer. Then, they may allow that price to drop somewhat.
Darwin Nunez cost Liverpool in the region of £ 85 million last summer and it might be, that Benfica wants to repeat that trick. The three aforementioned clubs can certainly afford such a fee. But it might be that they wait until next summer.
Is Ramos worth such huge figures? Well, his price will have certainly gone up after his World Cup cameo. But whether he is a player worth such numbers still remains to be seen. If he keeps banging them in for Benfica, then why not?
