Manchester City summer spree continues, but who is Ederson Moraes?

Manchester City really aren’t hanging around this summer.

Pep Guardiola has already spent £42.50m on Bernardo Silva from Monaco, and how he’s set to spend big again.

It’s believed Benfica goalkeeper Ederson Moraes will join the Citizens this week for around £33m.

Claudio Bravo struggled between the sticks for City last season, and despite Guardiola’s continued defence of the erratic Spaniard, Moraes’ arrival is a significant blow to the former Barcelona stopper.

The news almost certainly means that Joe Hart will need to find himself a new club upon his return from Torino.

Moraes began his career in his native Brazil, before joining Benfica’s youth setup in 2009.

But in a bold move, the 23-year-old left the club for a taste of first-team action, joining second division side Riberiao in 2011.

It was clearly an inspired decision, for just a year later the 6ft 2in goalkeeper was in the top-flight with Rio Ave.

Appearances were few and far between during his first campaign in Vila do Conde, but over the next two seasons Moraes made over 50 appearances for Rio Grande.

He clearly impressed, with Benfica moving quickly in the summer of 2015 to sign him up to a five-year-deal with a sizeable release clause.

Initially installed as cup goalie and back-up to Julio Cesar, Moraes stepped up for the final months of the 2015-16 season following an injury to Benfica’s number one.

Aand his performances helped Aguias overhaul rivals Sporting Lisbon and claim the league title with 10 straight wins.

A Taca de Liga success ensured the Brazilian won a double in his first season as a senior with the club.

Cesar returned from injury to start the opening five games of the season, but since then the goalkeeper role has been firmly Moraes’.

From 40 appearances in all competitions, the keeper’s statistics are mightily impressive.

Moraes conceded just 27 goals last term, including 18 clean sheets as Benfica claimed another league and cup double.

It’s believed City’s £33m offer doesn’t quite reach Benfica’s release clause, but with the Portuguese giants only spending just £425k on him 24 months ago, they seem happy to secure a substantial windfall.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing