Premier League heavyweights Manchester City have continued on their swift approach in the transfer market for the upcoming season by announcing their second signing of the 2017-18 pre-season, Benfica goalkeeper Ederson Moraes.
The Citizens parted ways with £35-million to land the Brazilian shot-stopper, making him the most expensive goalkeeper of all time. The deal is set to go live on 1st July, when the transfer market officially opens.
Moraes’ move signals City’s second signing of the summer, having already ironed out the purchase of Monaco’s adventurous midfielder Bernardo Silva for £43-million just a week ago.
For their part, City appear happy with the deal, with club supremo Txiki Berigistain telling the club’s official website, “We are delighted to bring Ederson to Manchester City. He is one of the best young goalkeepers in the Europe and he is an important addition to the squad for next season and the coming seasons.
“He is young, has all the qualities you could want as a top-class goalkeeper and I think he’ll fit in really well to our squad,” City’s director of football added.
The Next Manuel Neuer
Tagged as the next Manuel Neuer, the 23-year-old has gained a reputation from making daring saves and blocks from outside his box, similar to Germany’s current No 1. He has been Benfica’s brick wall last season, clocking an impressive 18 clean sheets from 27 league appearances, helping the Aguias win the Primeira Liga.
While currently basking in the limelight, the now-famous footballer from the city of Osasco has roots of a more humble nature. Ederson started his professional career with Portuguese side Rio Ave after two years as a junior at local club Riberao. The young Brazilian would impress in his first three seasons in Portugal, making impressive saves for his new club at such a tender age.
Before his move to Benfica in 2015, the stopper spent a total 3 seasons with Rio Ave, making a total 63 appearances, earning 21 clean sheets.
Ederson’s stock only grew more upon his arrival with the Portuguese giants. Benfica allowed the former São Paulo youth to show his skills at the international stage. In total, Ederson made 58 appearances for the club, keeping 32 clean sheets and conceding just 39 goals.
To his name, the Brazilian already has two Portuguese league titles, a Portuguese Cup, a Portuguese League Cup, and the Candido de Oliveira Supercup – it seems, from the early on, Ederson was destined for the big time.
And Manchester City have every hope, having spent the cash, that their new signing will make good on reaching his potential.