goncalo-ramos-portugal-world-cup-benfica-transfer-southampton-transfer-news-wolverhampton-wanderers-wolves-saints-premier-league-givemesport-dean-jonesSoccer Football - International Friendly - Portugal v Nigeria - Jose Alvalade Stadium, Lisbon, Portugal - November 17, 2022 Portugal's Goncalo Ramos celebrates scoring their third goal REUTERS/Rodrigo Antunes
Southampton have ‘looked’ at signing 2022 World Cup star and Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Ramos stars in Qatar…
Portugal manager Fernando Santos raised many eyebrows following his decision to drop superstar Cristiano Ronaldo for their Last 16 clash against tie against Switzerland on Tuesday.
However, his decision was well and truly vindicated, with the Portuguese going on to make a real statement and battering their opponents 6-1 on a night to remember for Ramos especially.
The 21-year-old rising star, feeling the pressure after coming in for Ronaldo, bagged a scintillating hat-trick on what was surely the most memorable night of his career.
The Latest: Saints have ‘looked’ at Ramos…
Ramos’ ability has long attracted interest from the Premier League, even before his World Cup heroics, and the Saints have now been name-checked as a candidate to sign him.
CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, taking to Twitter, has claimed that Nathan Jones’ side are one of many clubs eyeing a move for the Portugal’s new hero.
“Ramos has a release clause of €120m & was drawing interest long before the World Cup. He almost joined PSG over the summer. Benfica wanted close to €45m & that price will be higher now. Several EPL clubs have looked, including MUFC, NUFC, LUFC, Wolves, Southampton & Forest.”
The Verdict: Exciting player…
Southampton and Sport Republic, if they’re to make a move, will want to negotiate a fee far lower than that £104m exit clause.
Going by Jacobs’ tweet, that appears to be something Benfica are willing to do but Ramos’ price tag may well still be lofty – especially after his performances in Qatar.
The attacker’s stock is rising, and so is his price tag and queue of interested sides, so Southampton may face an uphill battle to get this one over the line.
However, having been called ‘incredible’ by members of the media, he is at least worth an attempt.
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