Updated: 2 May 2026 12:18 BST |
5 min read
Aston Villa have a unique opportunity in the summer transfer window to sign Goncalo Ramos from PSG in what promises to be a transformative deal for both Unai Emery’s side and the Portugal international striker.
Ramos moved to Paris in 2024 from Benfica in a deal worth €65 million. At that point in time, he was considered to be one of the most promising young centre-forwards in the world, and while he has scored 45 goals in 127 appearances for the Champions League winners, he has struggled to fit into Luis Enrique’s system.
Starved of game time this season, the 24-year-old is pushing for a move that will allow him to play regularly.
Goncalo Ramos exploring PSG exit
Ramos’ agent Jorge Mendes is already on the case and has opened talks with clubs to find a solution for the No.9, transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio told TMW.
“I see a Gonzalo Ramos at PSG who didn’t even come on the other night and who doesn’t have much in common with Luis Enrique’s philosophy and tactics,” he explained.
“It’s true that when Goncalo Ramos comes on in certain matches, he’s been decisive in winning, for example, the European Super Cup, but he could be on his way out.
“His agent, Jorge Mendes, is working hard to find other options where his client could perhaps be a starter next season, and he’s in discussions with clubs in Italy and elsewhere.”
Juventus have been linked with the striker, but Aston Villa are recommended to make a move for the hitman.
Aston Villa is the perfect destination
Unai Emery’s side is seen as Ramos’ best destination, according to the analysis of data experts SciSports, which give teams a Club Fit score based on a variety of factors ranging from development and game time to playing style and formation. The higher the score, the better the move is seen.
Aston Villa score a massive 87 Club Fit score when it comes to Ramos, suggesting it would be an excellent deal for the player.
The Birmingham club notably checks the box of giving him playing time, scoring four stars in this regard. Indeed, Villa score strongly across the board, with only style dipping as low as three stars in the SciSports analysis.
How does he compare to Ollie Watkins?
Ramos is seen as a player of a very similar standard to Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who has shouldered virtually all of the club’s striking burden this year. In time, SciSports predicts that he will be a stronger option than the England striker, while Ramis is a substantial upgrade on Tammy Abraham.
There is a difference between the styles of Ramos and Watkins, meanwhile. Both have poaching instincts, but while the Englishman operates primarily as a pressing forward, Ramos is asked to play more as a mobile or shadow striker, taking him away from the forefront of PSG’s attack. This, however, is likely driven by Luis Enrique’s system.
A big investment, but a wise one
Price will naturally be the big problem for Aston Villa, who have been restricted in the transfer market by Financial Fair Play (FFP) measures in recent seasons. However, Ramos’ Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) now sits at just €41m, putting him within reach of the Premier League side.
It would be a big investment for Villa, but one they need if Champions League football returns to Villa Park next season.
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