With Samir Handanovic set to leave Inter at the end of the season, the nerazzurri are focusing on those goalkeepers who could replace the Slovenia International from the 2016-17 campaign. CM.com has already shortlisted five Italian shot-stoppers who could pick up the baton left by ‘Handa’ and we’ve also reported that Mattia Perin is rumoured to be Roberto Mancini’s number one choice.

However, former Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar is sponsoring his back-up at Benfica: Ederson Santana de Morales or, simply, Ederson.

The 23-year-old will be Brazil Olympic National Football team goalkeeper in the summer and Julio Cesar has been following his progresses through the season. Ederson, a product of Sao Paolo academy, joined Benfica aged 16 and showed his qualities playing in the Portuguese’s second division for four years. Last summer he moved back to the Estadio da Luz to become Julio Cesar’s second-choice goalkeeper.

He has played 20 games in all competition this term, including both matches against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter finals, when his saves resulted vital for the Portuguese side.

His relaxed attitude and the ability to command the defence are probably his most important features, even if, like every modern goalkeeper, he is also very good at technical things. It comes as no surprise then that his model role is legendary Brazilian goalie Rogerio Ceni. Ederson imitated his idol during a game played with Benfica U-17 team, scoring a goal from his own area (watch below).

You may have already heard about his agent: a certain Jorge Mendes. Ederson’s contract with Benfica runs until 2020 and the player has a € 45 million release clause. Benfica won’t listen to offers below €20 million but with Inter hoping to cash in somewhere around € 15 million from Handanovic’s sale, Ederson can be Julio Cesar’s heir at San Siro from next season.


Lorenzo Bettoni @lorebetto, adapted from an original piece by Matteo Serra