After Colombian forward Marlos Moreno was announced as another summer signing for Manchester City, we spoke to BBC’s South American football correspondent Tim Vickery.
1. A lot of City fans won’t know a lot about Moreno, please could you describe him as a player?
A support striker, made his name late last year cutting in from wide left but has already shown he can play all across the attacking line. Quick and skilful, what stands out with him is the calm and excellence of his decision-making in the final third – combines very well.
2. There has been a lot of speculation that he will be sent out on loan immediately, how long do you think it will be until he is ready to play in the Premier League?
Everything has happened very quickly for him – his good first-team club debut was less than a year ago. These moves are always a gamble – I’m a bit concerned by the idea of loaning him out – many careers have come unstuck this way.
3. The price paid for Moreno is quite high for someone that has made less than 50 career appearances. Do you think he is worth it?
There are Brazilians with similar experience apparently trading for four times as much.
4. Are there any injury concerns for Moreno?
Reports of some muscular tiredness in the run up to the Libertadores final – he’s packed a lot into a short few months – but no serious injuries.
5. Were any other clubs interested in Moreno and, if so, who were they?
Everyone! Clubs in Brazil, Italy, Spain.
6. Finally, just how good do you think that Moreno can become?
I’m a huge fan. Haven’t been this enthusiastic about anyone coming out of South America for a few years. And, so far, he’s managed every step up. These moves are always a gamble, and in an ideal world, he’d probably stay put an extra year. But he’s full of potential and long on ambition.
Thanks to Tim Vickery for taking the time to speak to our editor, Jack Brain.
