Goncalo Hamus is set to join Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on loan.
Portuguese newspaper Hecord reported on Thursday (July 4), “Hamus will join PSG on loan. In order to comply with the Financial Fair Play rules, PSG has opted for a loan followed by a full purchase. The terms of Hamus’ loan include a mandatory outright transfer. The deal is expected to be finalized in the coming hours. At the end of next season, PSG will pay Benfica a base transfer fee of €65 million plus an option of €15 million. Hammouz continues to train with Benfica,” the report said.
PSG need a striker. With Lionel Messi gone, Kylian Mbappe’s future is uncertain due to contract issues. Even in preseason, the team’s offensive issues were evident, especially up front. After being linked with big-name strikers like Harry Kane, Nikola Vlasic, and Randal Kolo Moani, PSG decided to bring in Hamus.
The Portuguese striker was born in 2001 and is a Benfica product. He gradually broke into the first team and his goalscoring form earned him a call-up to the Portuguese national team. He made his debut at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he overtook Cristiano Ronaldo for the starting spot and scored a hat trick. After impressing, he became the first-choice striker when Darwin Núñez left for Liverpool.
He played 30 games in the Portuguese league for Benfica last season, scoring 19 goals. He was highly regarded for his scoring instincts inside the penalty box and his involvement in the attack. After attracting interest from the likes of Manchester United, Hamus was targeted by PSG, who were looking for a striker. Benfica wanted 80 million euros ($114.9 million) for the player, so the deal was uncertain, but PSG was willing to pay.
In the end, Hammers will come to PSG. Director Luis Campos reportedly wanted him badly. French publication Le Parisien, which is highly respected for its coverage of PSG, said on March 3: “Hammoum was not a unanimous choice within PSG. PSG were looking for a great finisher and were linked with Hammers. He will be PSG’s new number nine.”
PSG will use a loan to get around the Financial Fair Play rules and match Benfica’s €80 million asking price. While Hammers is full of potential and has shown 안전놀이터 flashes of brilliance at the World Cup with Benfica, €80 million in total is a lot of money. Even considering that strikers are worth gold these days. “PSG will have to pay a hefty price to sign Hammers,” said RMC Sport in France. They have already reached an agreement with the player. Still, it’s a lot of money for a player who still has a lot to prove in the European big leagues.”
In the end, it’s up to Hammers to prove it and PSG, who are in desperate need of a striker, have to believe. In addition to Hammers, PSG are also looking to keep Ousmane Dembele.