Benfica in race for 'Ecuador's Haaland'; Porto also want striker | OneFootball

Benfica and Porto are keeping a close eye on the progress of Juan Riquelme Angulo, the young Independiente del Valle striker who is beginning to attract interest in the European market. At just 18 years old, the Ecuadorian centre-forward is already being tipped as one of football’s rising talents and, because of his physical and technical traits, has even earned the nickname “the Haaland of Ecuador.”

According to information reported by 'As', the two Portuguese clubs are closely following the player’s development, although the competition is expected to make any attempt to sign him difficult. The footballer is also said to have come onto the radar of Barcelona and Manchester United.

The forward has impressed in Ecuadorian football not only because of his physical presence — standing 1.93 metres tall and combining power with speed — but also because of his technical quality and explosive ability in the final third. Developed entirely at Independiente del Valle, he made his first-team debut in March by scoring the winning goal against Mushuc Runa Sporting Club, in a match in which he came off the bench near the end.

Since then, the attacker has gradually established his place in the first team and has six caps for Ecuador’s youth national sides. With his market value rising and several big clubs watching closely, the player’s future promises to heat up over the coming months.

This season, playing for Independiente del Valle, Juan Riquelme Angulo — valued at €350,000 — has made 10 appearances: six in the Ecuadorian league, three in the Libertadores and one in the Super Cup. . Meanwhile, Dion Beljo is also of interest to the Eagles.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.