Why signing Luis Maximiano would be a step in the right direction for Barcelona
According to Portuguese publication A Bola (h/t Daily Express), Barcelona are targeting Sporting Lisbon goalkeeper Luis Maximiano.
The 21-year-old has had a breakthrough campaign at Sporting this season, following an injury to club’s first-choice keeper Renan Ribeiro.
Maximiano, who played second-fiddle to Riberio in the first 11 games of the season, has now gone on to make 23 appearances for Sporting and has seven clean sheets to his name.
A Sporting academy graduate, Maximiano’s standout displays between the sticks have caught the attention of La Liga giants Barcelona. The report also claims that the Catalans have identified young Maximiano as a replacement for their out-of-favour goalkeeper Neto. (h/t Daily Express)
Brazilian Neto, had earlier arrived at the Camp Nou last summer for an initial £23m, plus a further £8m in add-ons from rivals Valencia, following the departure of former goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, who went in the opposite direction.
However, Neto has featured just four times for the Spanish giants, with German Marc-Andre ter Stegen remaining the side’s No.1 goalkeeper. Ter Stegen has been so dominant in the post since his move from Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach back in 2014, that opportunities have been very rare for Neto.
Maximiano a good replacement for Barcelona keeper Neto
That said, Barcelona are now considering to cash in on 30-year-old Neto this summer and replace him with Portugal Under-21 international Maximiano. Apart from Ter Stegen and Neto, Barcelona have academy graduate Inaki Pena in their ranks. However, the 21-year-old is yet to make an appearance for the Barcelona senior side and lacks big-game experience.
With such a scenario still existing, it would be safe for Quique Setien’s side to rope in Maximiano, who could be signed for around £14m, despite having a £40m release clause.
Though first-team opportunities are going to be rare for young Maximiano, he would provide greater competition for Ter Stegen and would prove to be an excellent future investment by the club. Hence, Barcelona should make a move for the rising Portuguese talent, as it would be a step in the right direction.
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Verdict
With Neto not being able to make a strong impression since joining, Barcelona need a quality backup for Marc-Andre ter Stegen. To that end, Maximiano seems to be a perfect fit at Camp Nou.
Having proved his mettle this season at Sporting, there is no questioning the young Portuguese’s talent. He is only 21 now and has gained quite a bit of experience already. In addition, he can develop further in the coming years to become their No.1 goalkeeper.
