JIM GOODWIN reckons Luis Lopes could do for Aberdeen what Jota did for Celtic last season as the former prepares to make his move from Benfica to the Dons later this week.
But the Pittodrie boss insisted the £300,000 transfer fee reportedly paid for the 22-year-old striker, a star in the Lisbon club’s B team, was hugely exaggerated, although he declined to reveal the actual sum involved.
The deal, however, has been done and while Goodwin did not compare him to Celtic’s £6m attacker, he expressed his excitement at bringing him on board once visa protocols had been completed.
He said: “He will score goals. He’s had a really good education with Benfica and is only a year younger than Jota at Celtic. I’m not for one minute comparing him to Jota, but he’s had a similar education in the game from an early age as Jota. So, we’re excited about him. He’s still got a lot to learn but I think the more attacking options you have as a manager the better chance you have of winning games.
"He is a centre forward, quick and strong as well as being a powerful wee guy and at just 22-years-old he's got a lot of development to do. But he fits in with our model and recruitment policy up to date and one that we think will be another good addition at the top end of the pitch.”
Goodwin, ready to lead his team into Premier Sports League Cup action against Dumbarton at Pittodrie tonight, is set to bring-in three more players before the league season gets underway as midfielder Lewis Ferguson officially joined Serie A outfit Bologna in a £3m deal last night.
Yiber Ramadani, the Reds first summer signing from MTK Budapest, arrived in the north-east on Monday after a lengthy UK visa delay, will go straight into the squad as Goodwin sang the Albanian defensive midfielder’s praise.
"Ramadani has come over in great shape,” he said. "He's had constant contact with our sport scientist over the last couple of weeks and he was given a fitness programme.”
