Barcelona are reportedly interested in and have been monitoring SL Benfica goalkeeper Ederson Moraes
As per reports from Portuguese publication O Jogo (h/t Spanish publication Sport), Barcelona are showing interest in SL Benfica shot-stopper Ederson Moraes. The Blaugrana reportedly want to add another goalkeeper to their ranks and are now keen on the 1993-born keeper.
Ederson Moraes is a 23-year-old goalkeeper who came through the ranks at Brazilian club Sao Paulo before moving to SL Benfica, where he has now established himself in the first-team setup. The player has dual nationality and is eligible to represent both Brazil and Portugal. Moraes has thus far represented Brazil, all up to the Under-23 level.
The player has come on Barcelona’s radar in recent times, with the defending La Liga champions monitoring his performances, especially in the Champions League. And, the reviews would have been nothing short of exemplary. The 23-year-old has managed a massive 7 shutouts in only 13 appearances in all competitions this season, leaking just 10 goals in the process.
Barcelona have the likes of Marc Andre-Ter Stegen and summer signing Jasper Cillessen on their books, but there are reports that the club are set to enter the market to add to their goalkeeping options. The player is currently contracted to SL Benfica up until 2020 and is likely to command a handsome transfer fee, if Barcelona do intend to convert their interest into something real.
Meanwhile, Manchester City have also emerged as potential suitors for the player. Joe Hart did not fit the Guardiola philosophy and summer arrival, Claudio Bravo has looked shaky at best. The latest of Manchester City’s outings was a dire 4-2 result at the King Power Stadium against the defending English champions, Leicester City, a defeat that may force Guardiola to delve into the market for a goalkeeper.
Moraes has been touted as the next Rogerio Ceni during his time in Brazil and even though the player still has a long way to go before he even reaches the same heights as the veteran, interest from the likes of Barcelona and Manchester City is set to serve as a testament to the player’s talent and abilities.
Who knows, he may just be the next number 1 for his homeland in the foreseeable future.
