Transfer Market: Europa League Winner Joins Académico de Viseu

Juan Soriano is a confirmed new signing for Académico de Viseu, A BOLA has learned. The official announcement of this transfer is expected in the coming hours.

The 28-year-old Spanish goalkeeper, who turns 29 this Sunday, arrives as a free agent and has committed to the Beirão club for the next two seasons, until 2028.

According to information gathered by our newspaper, Juan Soriano is already in Viseu. He has successfully completed his medical examinations and formalized the agreement with the SAD of the Viriato city club.

A product of Sevilla's academy – he was part of the squad that won the UEFA Europa League in the 2014/2015 season – Juan Soriano made 11 appearances for the Andalusian senior team in 2018/2019 (after a stint with the club's B team). He then went on to represent Leganés, Málaga, Tenerife, and Leganés again.

The former Spain youth international spent his last two years at Leganés, initially in LaLiga and subsequently in the second tier of Spanish football. His future now marks his first experience playing outside his home country, with Soriano clearly aiming to make his mark on Portuguese soil, wearing the Académico de Viseu badge.

The signing of Juan Soriano further intensifies the competition for Bruno Pinheiro's goalkeeping spot.

With the arrival of the Spaniard, the Viseu coach now has five players vying for the position, suggesting a natural reduction in the goalkeeping ranks in the near future.

Ewerton, 28, has been the undisputed starter at the beginning of the season. The Brazilian played the full 90 minutes in matches against Benfica (2-2) and Santa Clara (0-1), delivering impressive performances. The Beirões also secured the services of 29-year-old Spanish goalkeeper Marcos Lavín this summer, who arrived from French side Dunkerque and is still awaiting his debut.

Already on the club's books are Matheus Sampaio, a 21-year-old Brazilian considered a strong prospect for the future, and Denis Gutu, just 18, who came through the academies of Benfica and FC Porto. Matheus Sampaio and Denis Gutu, it should be noted, may also find competitive playing time with Académico's U23 team.