A Newcastle United move for Benfica’s Gonçalo Ramos would represent a ‘statement signing’ in a summer transfer window where attempts to land a striker have proved frustrating. The Magpies have found it a struggle to add to their attacking ranks leaving Eddie Howe with only Callum Wilson and Chris Wood to pick from.
The Magpies hold an interest in the 21-year-old forward but may have to spend the remainder of their budget to land him. While Ramos has gone on record to say he is happy at Benfica, there is a feeling that as the window draws to a close, the Portuguese side could be tempted to cash in.
Speaking on The Everything is Black and White Podcast, Newcastle United editor Aaron Stokes said: “The player himself said he is happy at Benfica but money talks and I’m sure if the right bid came in then Benfica would be open to selling him. He did really well last season alongside Darwin Nunez, scored against Newcastle in pre-season, and he could be an option up-front. He fits the profile - he’s young and proven in Europe, it could be one to watch.
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“It would be a huge statement signing. It would probably take £40m-£50m to get him away from Benfica which begs the question if he’d play second fiddle to Callum Wilson - I’m not sure he would.
"Could it mean a change in formation? Perhaps two up-front? We know that’s not Howe’s style. There’s still room for one big marquee signing before the end of the month.”
The Magpies are moving closer to completing a deal for Watford's Joao Pedro which would likely rule out a move for Ramos this summer. But with just a few weeks remaining of the window getting a striker in of quality - regardless if it's Pedro or Ramos - is seen as key to Newcastle’s success this season.
Asked about the search for a striker and if failing to bring one in this summer would be a failure, Stokes said: “Yes, we’ve sat here in May, we’ve sat here in June and July and now we’re sat here again saying if they don’t sign a backup to Callum Wilson they are in real trouble.
“I like Chris Wood but for whatever reason, it just isn’t clicking for him at Newcastle United. That would be the biggest failure for me [not bringing in a striker] as you can excuse not getting in another winger.
"You’ve got Fraser and Murphy there, you’ve got bodies. Not getting another striker in over the next two weeks would be criminal.”
You can listen to the full episode of the podcast by clicking here . Please remember to like and follow the podcast.
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