Goncalo Ramos is on fire this season after nearly signing for Newcastle

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Former Newcastle United transfer target Goncalo Ramos has propelled Benfica into the quarter finals of the Champions League.

While Newcastle are currently struggling for goals, a player they tried to sign in the summer in Ramos has just scored his 23rd of the season already.

The 21-year-old led the line for Benfica in last night’s Champions League round of 16 second leg with Club Brugge. And it was the Portuguese side that coasted through to the next round of the competition.

After providing an assist in the first leg to help Benfica win 2-0 away from home, Ramos and co turned the style on at the Estadio da Luz. They won 5-1 on Wednesday night, with Ramos scoring two and setting up another.

His efforts in the Champions League now mean that Ramos has scored 23 and provided nine assists in all competitions this season. The forward has got 32 goal contributions in 34 games.

Ramos’ numbers are absolutely staggering, and serve as a reminder of what Newcastle could have won if they had brought him to St James’ Park in the summer.

Goncalo Ramos was Newcastle’s ‘top target’ back in August

Eddie Howe was desperate for attacking reinforcements during the summer transfer window, and turned to Ramos in August.

There were rumours that a bid worth £25million for the striker was on the horizon, while Fabrizio Romano claimed that Ramos was Newcastle’s ‘new top target‘.

However, it looked as if the Magpies’ interest in Ramos ended as soon as a deal was agreed to sign Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad. He arrived for a club record fee of £63million, filling the forward void that Howe was looking to fill.

Since then, Ramos has kicked on at Benfica and proven what a signing he could have been for the Magpies. His form for his club has been exceptional, while he also showcased his talents at the World Cup in a Portugal shirt.

While Ramos celebrated his 23rd goal of the season on Wednesday night, Isak is waiting for the chance to replace Callum Wilson and become Newcastle’s main striker. Hopefully that happens on Sunday against Wolves.