Leeds United-linked Goncalo Ramos has £100m+ release clause as contract news emerges at Benfica
Benfica star Goncalo Ramos, who has been linked with a move to Leeds United, has a release clause of €120million, according to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs.
The 21-year-old is enjoying a stunning campaign for Portuguese outfit Benfica, registering 24 goals and 10 assists in all competitions.
Ramos has also been linked with the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle, but the striker is eager to sign a new contract with current club Benfica.
“Ramos, who has a release clause of €120m (£105m), almost joined PSG last summer,” Jacobs wrote for Caught Offside. “But Benfica held out for close to €45m (£39.5m), which was seen as too high at the time.
“At the same time, several Premier League clubs looked with differing degrees of intent, including Manchester United, Newcastle, Leeds, Wolves, Southampton and Nottingham Forest.
“It’s no surprise therefore to see Ramos linked again with a move to Old Trafford. But Ramos himself has actually been expecting a new deal at Benfica. Rui Costa is yet to provide one. The 21-year-old would gladly stay another season for the right terms.”
Near impossible
While it shouldn’t be ruled out, the chances of Ramos heading to Elland Road this summer are slim after this latest contract news.
Even if the Whites let go of a handful of star assets at the end of the season, £105million is a huge fee that only the richest clubs in world football can afford.
It wouldn’t represent the first time that Leeds have been priced out of a top young talent, but the club’s anxious wait over their Premier League future certainly isn’t doing them any favours.
Ramos’s stock has risen greatly this season, particularly following his hat-trick for Portugal in the 2022 World Cup against Switzerland, with his long list of potential suitors coming as very little surprise.
The striker is highly talented, and at just 21 years old there is no telling how far he can go.
Given the fact his current club are constantly turning around talent and selling them for profit, Ramos looks certain to have a future away from Benfica, but where he plays next remains a mystery.
In other Leeds United news, youngster Crysencio Summerville has been hit with a £220 fine after being caught speeding on the A1(M).