Benfica will reportedly make it difficult to sell Goncalo Ramos this summer interest from Newcastle United, with Chelsea’s deal for Enzo Fernandez seemingly leaving an impact on the Portuguese giants.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Primeira Liga side won’t make it easy for interested clubs to sign Ramos this summer, with the attacker on of the most in-demand players heading into the transfer window following an outrageous season from the 21-year-old.
Ramos took his tally his tally in all competitions to 23 goals and nine assists this week in a Man of the Match performance for Benfica in a 5-1 win against Club Brugge, a display that could have greatly increased his valuation and potentially convinced suitors to pay his £107m release clause.
However, as stated by Romano, Benfica are setting their stall out early to ensure that they get the best deal possible for Ramos, with the Portuguese side seemingly still annoyed over how Chelsea managed to activate Fernandez’s release clause in January despite the upfront costs.
As per CNBC, Chelsea will pay five instalments worth £30m to Benfica over the next five years to pay off the British-record signing of Fernandez, yet according to Romano, no such loopholes or payment structures will be suitable to lure Ramos away from Lisbon this summer.
The Italian journalist said: “Goncalo Ramos has €120m (£107m) release clause included into his contract, it won’t be easy at all to negotiate with Benfica. At the moment there’s still nothing advanced, just many clubs sending their scouts to follow him; PSG wanted Goncalo last summer but he was untouchable for Benfica.”
Benfica well within their right to sell Ramos on their terms
Many would agree that Benfica got the short-end of the stick in talks to sell Fernandez, with Chelsea’ financial power pushing the club into a corner where they will not receive the full £107m for the Argentine in one lump sum. And as a result, the Portuguese side are well within their right to not allow such a process to happen again.
As a result, Newcastle could have to pay a huge amount to land Ramos this summer, who as per the early rumours on such a deal could lead to the Magpies having to pay £107m outright to sign the Portuguese international, a deal that might put Eddie Howe off this summer.
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