Who is Raul Moro? The £8.5m Celtic transfer target scouted by Liverpool, Tottenham and Man City
Celtic have been linked with an ambitious £8.5million swoop for winger Raul Moro - but face stiff competition for his signature.
Brendan Rodgers is in the market for another wide man this month as he seeks to add more firepower to his Treble-chasing squad. Outcast Luis Palma is set to depart the club on loan, with various clubs ready to offer the Honduran regular first-team football. And the Hoops are exploring their options as they look to strengthen the attacking department. Sarpsborg star Sondre Orjasaeter is also on their radar, but the Daily Mail state Real Valladolid starlet Moro is another top talent on their shortlist.
However, the Scottish champions are just one of a number of top European clubs who are keeping tabs on the 22-year-old. Here, Record Sport tells you everything you need to know.
Who is Raul Moro?
The Barcelona-born sensation was on the books of Espanyol and Barca as a youth before Lazio lured him to Italy in 2019. A year later, the former La Masia graduate made his Serie A debut, coming off the bench against Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus. The rising star went on to make a further 19 appearances for the Italian giants, registering one assist, but was allowed to continue his progression on loan with Serie B outfit Ternana Calcio and Spanish second tier side Real Oviedo. However, it's at Real Valladolid where Moro's career finally exploded into life, helping the club to La Liga promotion last season before landing a permanent switch in the summer. And the Spain U21 cap has sparkled on the big stage, notching four goals and two assists in 19 appearances so far this term. His eye-catching form has alerted some European big-hitters, with Ajax publicly declaring their interest.
What has been said about Raul Moro?
Ajax's technical director Alex Kroes laid his cards on the table earlier this week by admitting Moro was a top priority signing - but dismissed fears his arrival would be at the expense of Belgium teen Mika Godts. He said: "That is a player we are interested in. It depends on all the finances involved. Getting Moro won't be at the expense of Mika Godts. Mika Godts is a great player. Moro knows that. You just need at least three wingers who can add something to Ajax's game. You need someone who has a bit more depth and people who get into the ball a bit more and have an action. This guy happens to be able to. He can also play left and right wing."
How much would Raul Moro cost?
Blessed with blistering pace and an eye for goal, it's no surprise that the fleet-footed winger is grabbing attention. Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest are all said to have scouted Moro in recent months. And with Celtic reportedly joining Ajax as one of many admirers, Real Valladolid stand to make a hefty profit on a player who they poached for just £1.6million. Under contract until 2028, the relegation-threatened White and Violets will hope that a bidding war erupts for the breakout star.
It's said that the club are open to offers too, as they desperately look to raise funds to strengthen other areas of their struggling squad. Reports suggest that Moro is currently pocketing a generous wage of around £17,000-a-week, and Celts would have to table a lucrative package to prize him to Parkhead. A £8.5m fee has been floated by the Spanish press, which would see the youngster become the fourth most expensive signing in Celtic's history, behind £11m playmaker Arne Engels and £9.5m striker Adam Idah and Odonne Edouard at £9m.
What has Raul Moro said about his future?
Moro has shown maturity beyond his years when quizzed about the transfer rumours as recently as last month. Speaking to Estadio Deportivo, he shrugged off the uncertainty surrounding his future by saying: "I try to isolate myself and I haven't seen much. I'm focused on finishing the year here and doing well, because if you don't do well at your club those things will never come and my mentality is to do well here and then we'll see."
He added: "I still have a lot of room for improvement; when you feel wanted in a place and you feel good, when nothing goes wrong around you, the football that a player has ends up coming out. Since I arrived at Valladolid I have felt the rise with more and more confidence and weight, and that is good for a player and that is why I think I can continue improving."
