A shooting star. In one year, Afonso Moreira (21 years old) went from young prospect who had not really broken through at Sporting CP to star recruit for Bayer Leverkusen. In the meantime, the native of Lamego had a good season at Olympique Lyonnais. A club which does not regret the €2 million invested last summer. Arriving to be Malick Fofana’s understudy, the Portuguese was able to seize his chance when the Belgian was absent for a long time after an injury. Starting on the left wing, he scored 8 goals and provided 11 assists in 37 appearances in all competitions. The Moreira rocket launched, several clubs came forward. The Portuguese press revealed that Manchester United looked into his case. But it was ultimately Bayer Leverkusen who won the game during the month of June.
A great added value for OL
“Olympique Lyonnais announces the transfer of Afonso Moreira to Bayer Leverkusen for an amount of up to €33.6 million, including €4.1 million in bonuses, as well as 10% profit-sharing on any capital gains”could we read on the official press release. His sale was good for Les Gones’ finances. In the columns of ProgressPaulo Fonseca commented on his departure. “It’s hard, but it was normal that he left. I am happy if someone who has worked with me can improve their level, value themselves. I’m happy with what we did with him, I’m happy for him. Here in the club, we knew that the best thing was for him to stay for a year. But we couldn’t do otherwise. Perhaps the case will happen again with others. We bought it for 2 million, its performances were magnificent. I am very happy for the player and for OL too, who made a capital gain of 27 million in these difficult times. »
Indeed, OL made a nice added value with its sale. On the Leverkusen side, we are delighted to be able to count on such talent. The Portuguese gave his first impressions a few days ago to the press. “I really like it here at the moment. My teammates are great, and the staff – like the entire club – is very kind towards me. The bonds that unite us, especially within the group, are growing stronger day by day. (…) Bayer 04 is a great club that won the league title in impressive fashion two years ago. It is an ideal environment for the development of young players, both on a sporting and human level. Kai Havertz and Florian Wirtz are two perfect examples. I want to show the world what I can do, and I’m delighted to be able to do it here in Leverkusen. I am fully focused on Bayer 04 and our goals. »
Moreira is already scoring goals
The player continues: “We want to achieve the best possible results. We will work hard to achieve this. I’m really looking forward to discovering the Bundesliga, our stadium and the atmosphere! (…) I would describe myself as a fast player, with great efficiency in front of goal and always looking to create chances. I did quite well last season. Today I also want to help the team here as much as possible. As for my celebration? She was born last season. My teammates often joked that I love to sleep. This is how it came to be. (laughs) » Finally, he talked about his collaboration with Carles Martínez Novell: “I met him for the first time last season, during our league matches against Toulouse. We could already see how meticulous and passionate he is about his work. He is also very accessible, communicates a lot, is sincerely interested in you as a player and seeks to help you progress. For a player, it is important to feel this connection with the coach. I’m very happy and confident, and I’m looking forward to what’s next. »
And she was actually quite good. Starting in the first friendly match of the season against Oberliga SF Baumberg in Monheim, he scored twice. A rather successful debut for the winger, who received good comments from the media, including Bild. “Moreira was the most prominent Bayer player in the first half. He scored twice to make the score 1-0 (19th) and 3-0 (27th). First, he headed a cross from Arthur, then the Portuguese transformed an assist from Aleix Garcia at full speed with his technical perfection. » Kicker also bowed. “In Bayer’s first friendly match against the Oberliga club, summer signing Afonso Moreira set the tone with a brace. »
A recruit that pleases
Kicker adds: “the most notable player of the match was a striker. Afonso Moreira, signed from Olympique Lyon for 29.5 million euros, not only scored twice before the break, but also showed that he can make an impact as a lightning-fast soloist, but can also make an impact in combination play, as well as as a finisher and creator. His header after an Arthur cross to make it 1-0 and then 3-0 when he sent the ball into the back of the Baumberg keeper’s net after a long pass from Aleix Garcia were impressive goals. » This weekend, the former OL player did it again with a new goal from the right during the friendly against Kickers Offenbach (3-1 victory). On social networks, fans of the German club are already enthusiastic about their recruit, who has scored 3 goals in 2 matches. Many are already looking forward to seeing him at work in the Bundesliga, against opponents of a different caliber.
In the country too, we are delighted with his debut. In Bola writes about him: “another match, another goal: Afonso Moreira on fire in Leverkusen. (…) Two matches, three goals for Afonso Moreira at Bayer Leverkusen. The Portuguese winger, who arrived at the German club this summer after having shone in Lyon under the orders of Paulo Fonseca, scored the last goal of the Pharmacists’ 3-1 victory against Kickers Offenbach last Saturday, after having already scored a double the previous week against Baumberg. » Well launched in Germany, Afonso Moreira is already seducing. But our colleague from Football TransfersDavid Hamza, admits that he will have some pressure. “Given the very high amount of his transfer, expectations are obviously high. For Bayer, it was the fifth most expensive transfer in its history. » For the moment, this does not seem to impact Afonso Moreira too much.
