Alberto Moleiro is the Las Palmas sensation following similar path to Pedri and linked with Liverpoo

June 30, 2024

Lighting up LaLiga's second division with Las Palmas, Alberto Moleiro is destined for a bright future, and is on the radar of Europe's top clubs.

The 19-year-old attacking midfielder is a target for Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid, but no more so than Barcelona.

Moleiro plies trade in the Canary Islands, that has produced some of football's brightest stars over the years with Pedro, David Silva, Villarreal's Yeremy Pino, and lately Pedri, all born there.

Next in line is Moleiro, and just like Pedri, could he follow suit and link-up with his fellow Canary Islander at the Camp Nou?

Born to a Cuban father and Spanish mother, Moleiro was born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and started out at amateur side CD Sobradillo.

Following a string of dazzling displays, he caught the eye of Las Palmas scouts who were keen to get the then 15-year-old on board.

Moleiro joined their academy, and after quickly impressing, he made his debut for the reserve side, Las Palmas Atletico, a year later.

"The recruiting department followed up extensively, and then some conversations were held with Sobradillo, his club, and his family," Tonono Rodriguez, Las Palmas' youth director told talkSPORT.com.

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In 2020/21, he would make just another two appearances for Atletico. However, he kicked on the following season, becoming a regular in the first-team and making appearances for Spain's Under-19 side.

"From the first day I saw him training, I realised that he had something different," Mel told Mundo Deportivo after handing Moleiro his debut.

"He was a child, but since then he has grown a lot physically."

He also caught the eye of current teammates, including Las Palmas midfielder Nuke Mfulu.

“Little Alberto Moleiro has an incredible level for his age. It seems he has a lot of impact on the team. He told me he was 17 years old. He is awesome," Mfulu said.

Barcelona fan Moleiro likes to drift out onto the left and utilises the space, having changed his position since the arrival of Barca B coach Federico Garcia Pimienta.

"His rhythmic and directional shifts. His verticality, as well as his game vision bely his tender years," Rodriguez said.

"I can tell you that they [Pedri and Moleiro] are both wonderful people and exceptional athletes. Both have lived in the Casa Amarilla [ Las Palmas' Yellow House for youngsters] and share a sense of genuineness and humbleness.

"Moleiro's ability to change the tempo of a match and his self-assurance and daring on the ball is a joy to watch," Rodriguez added.

He featured 35 times for Las Palmas in 2021/22, which saw him score three times, and contributing an assist; his first senior goal coming against Ibiza in September 2021.

Barcelona are running the rule over the teenager, and were keen to tie up a move for the starlet, before their financial woes set in.

"It was two or three weeks after the end of the season," Moleiro explained to Spanish news outlet Relevo. "My agent told me that the offer existed, but there were also many rumours and things that were not true."

Moleiro is calm and composed, and has a great change of pace, something which he continues to display week-in-week-out - he simply has the natural qualities to succeed.

"Pedri remains Pedri, and Moleiro remains Moleiro. Each boy is unique. I dislike making comparisons. They are both distinct. They share a passion for football and a strong desire to learn," explains Rodriguez.

"His [Moleiro's] performances have not impressed me as much as most, as I believe he has much room for improvement and he can get even better."

It remains to be seen whether he will will leave Las Palmas during the summer transfer window, but he certainly has plenty of teams wanting to lure his way.

Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Real Madrid are all interested, reports the Daily Mail, and more teams will no doubt register their interest.

Moleiro put pen-to-paper on a new deal with the Canary Islanders in July 2022, signing a four-year contract with a release clause of €30million (£26.2m).

Rodriguez added: "Barcelona or Madrid? UD Las Palmas in the first division, then the national team... but slowly and slowly, like good wines, and enjoying the moment."

Las Palmas currently sit second in the second division, and should they secure promotion to LaLiga, his release clause is expected to double to €60m (€68.5m).

Alberto Moleiro is the Las Palmas sensation following similar path to Pedri and linked with Liverpoo

Most read in Football

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