Domingos Duarte admits he will be disappointed to see Granada team-mate and reported Everton target Rui Silva leave the Europa League quarter-finalists in the summer transfer window, via Sports Finding.
A bonafide penalty-saving specialist, the Portuguese ace has kept out a grand total of five spot-kicks in 2020/21 alone.
Silva, however, may feel that it should have been six.
The former Nacional ace got both hands to Bruno Fernandes’ effort in latter Thursday’s defeat to Manchester United, but failed to stop his fellow Portugal international from celebrating yet another goal.
It was a rare mistake in an otherwise superb season for Silva, who has been linked with Inter Milan, Barcelona and Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton in recent months.
And, with Granada confirming that Silva will leave when his contract expires in July, team-mate Duarte knows that the 26-year-old will not be easily replaceable.
“They say he is leaving,” says the centre-back.
“As you know, he is one of the ones that I get along with the best in the dressing room. He is a wonderful boy and he deserves the best. (I will be) delighted with him.
“We cannot do more than thank him for his professionalism in this whole situation because it is not easy for him. Rui is doing very well.
“He is one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga – if not the best. He plays well with his feet, outside the area and keeps his goal. I see many things in him that I do not see others.”
Estadio Deportivo reported in January that Everton were planning to sign Silva on a free transfer over the summer, amid doubts over Robin Olsen’s future at Goodison Park.
Recent claims have suggested that the Iberian glovesman will be staying in La Liga with Real Betis, though nothing has been confirmed as things stand.
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