As a result of Chelsea’s purchase of Enzo Fernandez, the Portuguese giants are less interested in selling Goncalo Ramos to Newcastle United this summer
As a result of Chelsea’s purchase of Enzo Fernandez, the Portuguese giants are less interested in selling Goncalo Ramos to Newcastle United this summer.
Ramos, a 21-year-old forward, has had a spectacular season, making him one of the most sought-after players going into the summer transfer window. Nevertheless, the Primeira Liga club will not make it simple for interested teams to acquire Ramos, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Ramos scored a hat trick and had an assist in Benfica’s 5-1 win over Club Brugge this week, bringing his total for all competitions to 23 goals and nine assists. His performance earned him Man of the Match honours, which could have increased his value significantly and prompted suitors to meet Benfica’s £107 million release clause.
The Portuguese club seems to be still irritated that Chelsea was able to trigger Fernandez’s release clause in January despite the upfront fees, but according to Romano, Benfica is laying its stall out early to guarantee that they obtain the best deal possible for Ramos.
To pay off their British record signing of Fernandez to Benfica, Chelsea will make five payments totalling £30 million over the next five years, as reported by CNBC. However, according to Romano, no such loopholes or payment structures will be suitable to entice 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.”
The financial might of Chelsea backed Benfica into a position during negotiations to sell Fernandez, and the Portuguese club will not get the entire £107 million for the Argentine in a single payment. The Portuguese side is quite justified in their desire to prevent a repeat of this procedure.
The early rumours on such a deal suggest that the Magpies would have to spend £107m cash to get the Portuguese international, a cost that would discourage Eddie Howe from pursuing a move this summer.
