Fulham will reportedly look to sign 22-year-old Brazilian defender Morato this summer, with Benfica demanding €20-25 million to sell him.
According to a report by Bruno Andrade on Mais Futebol, Morato is the subject of interest from Fulham. The Cottagers are keen on signing a centre-back in the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding the future of Tosin Adarabioyo. Meanwhile, Benfica will demand around €20-25 million to part ways with the young Brazilian defender.
Who is Morato?
Felipe Rodrigues da Silva, better known as Morata, has been one of the best young defenders in the Primeira Liga despite not being an undisputed first-choice defender for Benfica. The 22-year-old spent most of his formative years in Brazil before graduating from the youth division at Sao Paulo.
The youngster joined Benfica in September 2019 and has gone from strength to strength in the last half a decade. The Brazilian defender’s versatility makes him an asset for Benfica, earning him 33 appearances and nearly 2,500 minutes of game time thus far this season. Meanwhile, Morata’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs.
Widespread reports have heavily linked the former Sao Paulo prodigy with Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur. However, a move to a mid-table outfit might be on the cards, with Fulham keen on signing him in the summer transfer window.
London calling?
Fulham’s interest in Morato is understandable amid uncertainties surrounding the future of Tosin Adarabioyo. The 26-year-old will leave the West London club as a free agent in the summer transfer window amid his links with Chelsea and Newcastle United, thus compelling them to scour the market for a replacement.
Morato’s name thus emerged on Fulham’s wishlist ahead of the summer transfer window. And while the 22-year-old Brazilian defender has a release clause of €100 million, Benfica will demand around €20-25 million to part ways with him in the summer transfer window.
€20-25 million is a fair price for a talented young defender with his best years ahead of him. It will be interesting to see if Fulham can beat the competition to his signature in the coming weeks and months.
