PSG are ready with a replacement for Mbappe.

PSG have agreed to pay Benfica $72 million plus $17 million in add-ons to sign Portuguese striker Goncalo Ramos, amid unresolved issues with Kylian Mbappe.

To circumvent Financial Fair Play regulations, PSG will loan Ramos for one season, with a mandatory purchase clause in the summer of 2023. This reduces the spending pressure on the French club in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, after they have already spent $175 million on transfers for new signings such as Manuel Ugarte, Lucas Hernandez, and Lee Kang-in.

Goncalo Ramos celebrates his goal against Switzerland in the Round of 16 of the World Cup at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar on December 6, 2022. Photo: Reuters — Goncalo Ramos celebrates his goal against Switzerland in the Round of 16 of the World Cup at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar on December 6, 2022. Photo: *Reuters*

Benfica could receive a fee of up to $89 million, but Ramos would only be the fourth most expensive transfer in the Portuguese club's history. Previously, they sold three players for $90 million or more: Enzo Fernandez, Joao Felix, and Darwin Nunez.

PSG haven't finalized a personal agreement with Ramos yet, but this isn't a major issue, according to The Athletic . The 22-year-old striker will replace Kylian Mbappe, who is no longer training with the PSG first team due to disciplinary action.

Ramos has caught the eye of many top European clubs after his performances last season for both Benfica and the Portuguese national team. He scored a hat-trick to help his team eliminate Switzerland in the Round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup, and helped Benfica win their 38th Portuguese league title. The 1.88m tall striker scored 27 goals and provided 12 assists in 47 club games last season. He could be PSG's ninth signing of the summer of 2023.

Portugal 6-1 Switzerland — Match highlights of Portugal's 6-1 victory over Switzerland in the Round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup, where Ramos scored a hat-trick.

Ramos joined Benfica's academy at the age of 12 and has been with the club for the past 10 years. On average, he scored 0.79 goals per 90 minutes in the Portuguese league last season (excluding penalties), the highest in the league. This left-footed striker has a knack for one-touch shots into the near corner, as he once scored at the World Cup.

Besides Ramos, PSG has also reached an agreement to sign Ousmane Dembele from Barca to replace Lionel Messi. However, the French club is considering the payment methods to avoid violating Financial Fair Play regulations.

Hoang An

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