Journalist Simon Peach has expressed his sympathy for Southampton after two of their summer transfer targets in Cody Gakpo and Goncalo Ramos have moved out of their price range during the World Cup.
Portugal striker Ramos recently stole the headlines as he was trusted to start over Cristiano Ronaldo in his country’s last-16 clash. Not only did the 21-year-old come in to make his World Cup debut, but he also netted a hat-trick in the stunning 6-1 win over Switzerland.
Elsewhere in Qatar, Gakpo has been crucial for the Netherlands, netting three goals in four games, helping to set up a tantalising quarter-final with Argentina.
During the summer, the Saints were linked with a £25m move for Ramos and were also said to have failed with a £21m bid for the Dutch ace from PSV. In the end, they failed with both transfer attempts.
In light of it all, Peach took to Twitter to suggest the chance may have been and gone for Southampton to sign the duo. He wrote: “Southampton tried to sign Cody Gakpo & Goncalo Ramos in the summer. I don’t think they’re in the running anymore.”
TIF Thoughts on Cody Gakpo, Goncalo Ramos and Southampton…
Looking at the way both players have proven their goalscoring credentials on the biggest stage in football, it’s safe to say their expected transfer fees would have likely skyrocketed.
Indeed, there is talk that Manchester United will have to pay £50m if they want to sign Gakpo after his impressive World Cup displays, while top Premier League sides such as Arsenal and Chelsea have also now been tipped to make big-money moves for Ramos.
All in all, many Southampton fans will be lamenting their inability to land either player, but they can at least take solace from the fact that their scouting team identified two top talents before they truly became global stars.
Do you think Southampton could still sign either Cody Gakpo or Goncalo Ramos?
Yes
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