Yesterday, Spanish source Miranda es Deporte claimed Orlando City SC are set to sign Watford striker Matheus Aiás on a free transfer.
A story quickly uncovered by The Roar, the 23-year-old Brazilian appears to be the new signing City supporters have been anticipating since Alex Leitão teased a new arrival on August 17.
Thanks Ricardo, trust on you guys , and I am confident the new player will works just fine for us. Ops 🙊
— Alex Leitao (@alexleitao) August 17, 2020
In a translated version of the original report, it claims Matheus Aiás has already “formalized his move to Orlando City”.
After terminating his contract at Watford, “everything has been settled” and as a free agent, he’s now poised to play in Major League Soccer.
An unfamiliar name to Orlando City SC supporters, and most Watford fans too, #OCTwitter have put their best detective skills to work this week.
One eagle-eyed Lions supporter even found that Director of Scouting & Recruitment Ricardo Moreira is currently following Matheus Aiás on Instagram.
Mathues Aias has to be a done deal when you see @ricardomore1ra in the following section on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/IDf4up6FZU
— Ghxst (@smokeyflarez) August 20, 2020
Who is Matheus Aiás?
Matheus Aiás, commonly known as Matheus, is a 23-year-old Brazilian centre forward currently registered with Watford.
A São Paulo native, the striker joined the Hornets from Spanish side Granada in July 2017. However, he’s never made an appearance for Watford’s first team.
One of many South American talents that Watford have sent on loan across recent seasons, others include Ecuadorian Pervis Estupiñán and Colombian Luis Suárez.
Ambidextrous, according to Transfermarkt, Matheus Aiás stands at 5 ft 9 in and started his youth career with Cruzeiro and Ponte Preta.
With his professional career focused in Spain, he’s enjoyed loan spells at Lorca, Fuenlabrada, Valencia B and recently, Mirandés since August 2018.
Matheus Aiás’ goals helped Mirandés win promotion from Segunda División B to the Segunda División in 2018/19.
Scoring 11 goals in 39 league games that season, he’s been a Copa del Rey hero more recently.
Bagging 5 goals in 5 games in the 2019/20 Copa del Rey, Matheus Aiás was the catalyst in Mirandés’ heroic run to the semi-finals.
After eliminating three La Liga sides, Mirandés bowed out 3-1 to Real Sociedad over two legs back in spring.
In this amazing run, Matheus Aiás scored one against Celta Vigo (Round-of-32), a brace against Sevilla (Round-of-16), one against Villarreal (quarter-final), and one against Real Sociedad (semi-final first leg).
This form put him in stellar company too…
1 – Since 09/10, only Matheus Aias has scored at least one goal against four different @LaLigaEN teams in a single Spanish Copa del Rey edition for teams in lower categories. In that period, only Messi (14/15) and Luis Suarez (17/18) did it before. Poker. pic.twitter.com/EoMcdwsWV3
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 13, 2020
What is Matheus Aiás’ playing style?
Reviewing Matheus Aiás’ career highlights online, The City Beautiful Game pointed out three things.
This new striker, Matheus Aiás, according to highlights has the following qualities:
1. Stays on his feet
2. Deadly accuracy
3. Lightning fast strikesIt’s been so long since we’ve seen these things in a 9…
— The City Beautiful Game (@citybeautifulsc) August 20, 2020
Here is a clip of Matheus Aiás scoring his second goal against Sevilla in the 2019/20 Copa del Rey quarter-final.
Matheus Aiás’ second goal against Sevilla – 2019/20 Copa del Rey – Highlights – January 30, 2020 (Credit: AD Sports)
Do Orlando City SC need Matheus Aiás?
Following Dom Dwyer‘s season-ending injury in the #MLSisBack Tournament, City’s need for a new striker has been far greater.
Despite superb performances in the bubble, this current Orlando City SC side still lacks a ruthless killer in front of goal.
Perhaps Matheus Aiás isn’t the name Lions supporters were expecting mid-season.
However, the Brazilian does seem to fit the profile of a current Orlando City SC signing.
A young player with a high ceiling, Matheus Aiás seems a project signing, much like Ruan who was discovered from Brazil’s lower divisions.
If he does sign, Matheus Aiás would become the eleventh Brazilian to play for Orlando City SC.
The others were Kaká, Pedro Ribeiro, Júlio Baptista, PC, Léo Pereira, Stéfano Pinho, Ruan, Robinho, Antônio Carlos and Júnior Urso.
Elsewhere, Matheus wears the name “Matheus Aiás” on his jersey.
Wearing number 9 at Mirandés in 2019/20, squad numbers 7, 16 and 96 (the year of his birth) are currently available at Exploria Stadium.
Matheus Aiás is also active on social media and has personal Instagram and Twitter accounts.
Orlando City UK keenly await any developments to this particular transfer rumour.