Manchester United’s search for a new striker could be about to take a decisive turn, with Paris Saint-Germain forward Gonçalo Ramos emerging as a serious alternative to RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
The 24-year-old Portuguese international, signed by PSG from Benfica in 2023 for €65 million, is coming off a productive season, 19 goals and 25 goal contributions in all competitions, but has found himself on the fringes under Luis Enrique. More often than not, Ramos has started from the bench, playing second fiddle to PSG’s more established attacking options.
Why Ramos fits United’s needs
United’s recruitment team has been working on the Šeško deal for weeks, but with talks stalling and competition from other clubs intensifying, Ramos is viewed as a ready-made alternative.
PSG are ready to sell Manchester United target Goncalo Ramos for the right price.
Unlike some of the younger targets linked with the club, Ramos offers a proven record at the highest level, including Champions League experience, and the versatility to operate as both a traditional number nine and a more mobile forward. His strong hold-up play, clever movement, and penalty-box instinct make him a good stylistic fit for Ruben Amorim’s set-up. At 24, he also fits the club’s profile for players entering their prime, with resale value still intact.
According to Caught Offside, PSG are open to a sale this summer if Ramos decides he wants a new challenge, but they are unlikely to accept anything significantly lower than the €65m they paid last year. A loan with an option to buy could also be considered, particularly for clubs offering regular starting football and European competition.
This could suit United perfectly, especially with Financial Fair Play considerations still influencing spending patterns. A loan-plus-buy deal would allow the club to allocate more funds to other positions while still securing an elite forward option.
Competition that United must overcome
United are not alone in the race. Liverpool are monitoring Ramos closely as they weigh up alternatives to top target Alexander Isak, while Newcastle United and Aston Villa have also been linked. In Italy, Juventus and Napoli are keen, with the latter needing to replace Victor Osimhen.
PSG are ready to sell Manchester United target Goncalo Ramos for the right price.
However, United’s ability to offer Ramos a central role in a high-profile rebuild, coupled with the attraction of playing in the Premier League, could give them the edge. For United, the key will be speed. With several striker dominoes set to fall over the next few weeks, any delay could see the Portuguese ace snapped up by a rival. If the Sesko negotiations continue to drag, expect United to act quickly to put themselves at the front of the queue.
Ramos may have been a rotational option at PSG, but his numbers suggest a forward ready to lead the line at one of Europe’s biggest clubs. Whether that will be at Old Trafford could be one of the defining questions of United’s summer transfer window. While the number one choice as far as strikers go this summer is Sesko, it remains to be seen if we will pivot to Ramos should negotiations with RB Leipzig drag on.