Goncalo Ramos ‘wants to join Newcastle’ after transfer mission
Newcastle United’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements has taken an intriguing turn with Paris Saint-Germain’s Gonçalo Ramos expressing interest in joining the Magpies, according to well-placed sources.
The Portuguese international has reportedly grown frustrated with his limited starting opportunities at the French champions and views St James’ Park as an ideal destination to reignite his career while competing in the Champions League.
The 24-year-old striker’s potential availability comes at a critical juncture for Newcastle, who continue to navigate the complex Alexander Isak situation.
While the Swedish star remains a Liverpool target, the Magpies have made it clear they won’t sanction his departure without securing an adequate replacement first.
Ramos represents an intriguing option, having demonstrated his quality during his breakout season at Benfica before his PSG move, though his limited starting role (just 18 from 46 appearances last season) suggests he may be available for a reasonable fee.
Gonçalo Ramos’ 2023/24 Season at PSG
| Metric | Performance |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 46 |
| Starts | 18 |
| Goals | 12 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Minutes per Goal | 148 |
| Shot Conversion Rate | 18% |
Former Manchester United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who maintains extensive connections within the game, revealed Newcastle’s scouting team has been closely monitoring Ramos’ performances.
“He’s keen to make that move to Newcastle,” Brown told Football Insider. “The opportunity to play regularly in the Premier League and Champions League will be inviting for him after mostly watching from the bench at PSG.”
Newcastle’s recruitment team faces a delicate balancing act as they evaluate multiple striker options. Alongside Ramos, the club has reportedly been tracking Porto’s Samu Omorodion and maintains interest in Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.
This extensive scouting network reflects the Magpies’ determination to avoid being left short-handed, having already missed out on João Pedro, Hugo Ekitike, and Benjamin Šeško earlier in the window.
The potential acquisition of Ramos would represent a calculated gamble. While his goal return at PSG appears modest, his underlying statistics reveal a striker capable of thriving with more consistent minutes.
His intelligent movement and clinical finishing during Benfica’s Champions League campaign two seasons ago demonstrated his potential to perform at the highest level – a quality that would be invaluable for Newcastle’s return to Europe’s elite competition.
Comparing Newcastle’s Striker Options
| Player | Club | Age | 23/24 Goals | Strengths | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gonçalo Ramos | PSG | 24 | 12 | Positioning, finishing | £40-50m |
| Yoane Wissa | Brentford | 28 | 20 | Premier League proven | £50-60m |
| Samu Omorodion | Porto | 22 | 17 | Physicality, potential | £30-40m |
As Newcastle weigh their options, the club must also consider the future of Kieran Trippier, who has attracted interest from Monaco.
While sources indicate the Magpies intend to retain the England full-back for their Champions League campaign, his contract situation adds another layer of complexity to their transfer planning.
The coming weeks will prove decisive in shaping Newcastle’s squad for the season ahead. Ramos’ apparent willingness to join provides Eddie Howe with an intriguing alternative should their pursuit of Wissa falter, though the PSG striker’s adaptation to Premier League football would carry inherent risks.
What remains clear is that Newcastle’s recruitment team faces one of their most challenging periods since the takeover, needing to balance ambition with pragmatism as they aim to build on last season’s successes while navigating the constraints of financial fair play regulations.
For Ramos, the opportunity to become Newcastle’s focal point in attack could represent the perfect platform to rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after young strikers during his Benfica days.
Whether this potential transfer materializes may ultimately depend on Isak’s future, but the Portuguese international’s interest adds another fascinating dimension to what promises to be a dramatic conclusion to Newcastle’s transfer window.