Barcelona is allegedly interested in signing Luis Maximiano, a 22-year-old goalkeeper who would serve as a substitute for Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the starting lineup.
According to a report by the Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Luis Maximiano has piqued the attention of Barcelona, who are considering a possible transfer in the next transfer window. The 22-year-old Granada goalkeeper is being seen as a long-term successor for Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who is currently out injured.
The Goalie Who Has Caught The Attention Of Barcelona
Luis Maximiano joined Granada this past summer, having parted ways with Sporting CP following almost a decade of involvement with the Portuguese club. Also of note is that the Portuguese goalie has had a good start to life in La Liga, swiftly establishing himself as the Nazaries’ first-choice goalkeeper.
As a result of his five games for Granada, the 22-year-old has allowed only six goals and kept a pair of clean sheets. In his first six weeks as a La Liga player, his development has not gone unnoticed, with Barcelona among the teams that have shown an interest in signing Maximiano as a free agent.
In recent weeks, there has been an unexpected increase in the amount of conjecture around Marc-Andre ter Stegen. According to many rumours, the German goalkeeper may be on his way out of Camp Nou in the near future as a result of his below-par performances over the last year or so.
Given how important ter Stegen has been for Barcelona during his time with the La Liga giants, it is shocking to see his status deteriorate to such an extreme degree. However, with his Barcelona future hanging in the balance, a number of prospective replacements, like Kepa Arrizabalaga and Gianluigi Donnarumma, are being touted as possible candidates to take over.
Andre Onana, a former La Masia student, is also a target for Barcelona, who have shifted their focus away from Maximiano and onto Andre. Even if Ter Stegen does not leave the club next summer, the 22-year-old seems to be a viable alternative, given that Neto is expected to go as soon as possible, and Inaki Pena is being connected with a potential loan move away from the club.
As a result, it is possible that Maximiano will begin as a backup to Marc-Andre ter Stegen before ultimately taking over as the first-choice goalkeeper for Barcelona. For the time being, however, these are all just rumours, and it remains to be seen whether or not the 22-year-old will make the move from Granada to the top flight.
ABOUT THE PLAYER:
Maximiano was born in Celeirós, Aveleda e Vimieiro, Braga District, and joined Sporting CP’s youth system when he was 13 years old, having previously played for S.C. Braga. On 25 October 2017, he made his professional debut in the LigaPro with the former’s reserves, in a 1–1 away draw against C.D. Nacional. He has also begun practising with the first team, where he was the third choice behind Rui Patricio and Romain Salin, having been promoted from the reserve squad.
Maximiano made his first competitive appearance with the first team on September 26, 2019, in a 1–2 defeat at home to Rio Ave F.C. in the first round of the Taça da Liga tournament.
His first debut in the UEFA Europa League came two months and two days later (in the same phase) when he played the whole 4–0 win against PSV Eindhoven at the Estádio José Alvalade, which was also his first appearance in the competition. On December 1, he made his debut in the Primeira Liga, losing 3–1 against Gil Vicente FC. He soon rose to the position of the first choice, ahead of fellow Brazilian Renan Ribeiro.
During the first game of the 2020–21 season, Maximiano’s starting position was usurped by newcomer Antonio Adán from the Spanish national team.
Granada CF inked a four-year deal with Maximiano on August 15, 2021, in exchange for a €4.5 million price and a transfer fee. On September 13, he made his La Liga debut in a 2–1 defeat at the hands of Real Betis, with his countrymen and predecessor Rui Silva on the other end of the field for the visitors.
