‘Next to be sold’ claim made over Newcastle United transfer target after Champions League display

The Portuguese club secured passage to the quarter finals of the Champions League with a 7-1 win on aggregate over Club Brugge, as they won 5-1 in the second leg on Tuesday with former Newcastle United player Scott Parker sacked by the Belgian club on Wednesday.

Ramos was involved in four goals over the tie, with two goals and two assists across both legs. Henry was impressed by the player’s display, who previously announced himself on the world stage with a hat-trick for Portugal at the World Cup in Qatar.

“It never was a game really,” reflected Henry on Benfica’s dominant win on CBS Sports Golazo.

“But Joao Mario giving the ball to Ramos and that’s what he does. This guy is on fire and he is from the academy. We spoke about the players that they sold. He is going to be, I think, the next one.”

Ramos has watched the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Darwin Nunez make Premier League moves in recent windows, with the former Benfica men joining Chelsea and Liverpool respectively.

On what Ramos needs to do to secure a move, Henry added: “He has to do more. It was a surprise what he did at the World Cup.

“I think if he carries on like that in the Champions League and they win the league, then he can make a case.”

Newcastle have seen increased investment in the playing squad since the club’s takeover last season. They broke their transfer record to sign Alexander Isak last summer but the Swedish international has struggled with injury this season.

It is likely there will be more incomings ahead of next campaign but the Magpies’ spending will be restricted by Financial Fair Play rules.

Previous reports in Portugal claimed Benfica were preparing for Ramos to leave the club in the summer with Newcastle among those reportedly interested.