Bruno Fernandes has urged Manchester United to sign his international teammate Goncalo Ramos from Benfica this summer.
Ramos replaced Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal’s starting line-up for the World Cup knockout rounds, bagging a sensational hat-trick in his side’s 6-1 demolition of Switzerland at the Round of 16 stage. The striker has also enjoyed a superb campaign with Benfica, helping them land the league title.
Ramos bagged 27 goals for the Lisbon-based giants and provided a further 12 assists, as the club impressed both domestically and in Europe – where they reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League for a second successive campaign.
The 21-year-old is a product of Benfica's famed youth system – having joined aged 12 – and could be the latest in a long line of talents from the club to make a big-money move away from Lisbon. After replacing Darwin Nunez in Benfica's frontline, he has now received the support of United star Fernandes to move to England, with Old Trafford a possible destination.
Victor Osimhen and Harry Kane are both among the striking options being evaluated by United. There is also admiration for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund and Mohammed Kudus of Ajax, with the additions of two strikers a possibility with Wout Weghorst ’s loan deal coming to an end and uncertainty over the future of Anthony Martial.
"I think Goncalo [Ramos] has all the conditions to play in the Premier League," Fernandes told Portuguese channel Sport TV, as per Record. "He plays with a lot of intensity, he presses very well and is really good inside the penalty area. He is strong. Obviously, he is still very young and will improve a lot."
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Fernandes added: "If he continues to work as he has worked so far, I believe he has the potential to become one of the best strikers in the world. He is already close to that level, but he still needs to go to a more competitive league and prove himself. He will go there, something I believe he has all the capabilities to do."
Asked whether the striker could join United this summer, Fernandes added: "Here, the best players will always be valued, be it Goncalo or someone else. I think he has all the qualities to play in the Premier League, and when I say in the Premier League, I also mean Manchester United.
"I think he could become a great reference in years to come. But it is still not in my hands, it is up to the sporting director. When I am in that position, I will make those decisions."