Portuguese news outlet, A Bola claims that FC Porto winger, Yacine Brahimi is on Wolves’ summer shortlist as the newly promoted side prepares to take on England’s best teams in the Premier League next season. It seems that Nuno Santo wants to bring in the pacey wide-man to continue implementing his counter-attacking style of play.
Brahimi has only 12 more months left in his contract, after completing his 4th season with the Dragons. An extension has not been signed just yet and this could force Porto to sell him rather than letting him go for free in the 2019 summer.
The stumbling block seems to be his €60m release clause, only 50% of which FC Porto is entitled to. Wolves have a high investment policy powered by the FOSUN International ownership which quite expectedly has delivered results. Winning the EFL Championship in such dominating fashion is no small a feat and the Molineux outfit is expected to make a surprising run in the top-flight next season.
For that, they will need top-pedigree talents like Brahimi to carry out Santo’s game. Brahimi’s name is almost synonymous with pace and skill. The Algerian international is technically adept with his close control and ball-playing abilities. He already looks to be an ideal fit for the Premier League. He can beat defenders on the dribble and contribute with goals as well. The 28-year-old netted the ball 12 times for Porto this season and set his teammates up on 10 occasions.
The Paris-born attacker started his playing career with the illustrious Saint Etienne academy. His parents supported his decision to accept the offer from the Ligue 1 outfit as they promoted general education along with a player’s footballing development.
Brahimi idolized Zinedine Zidane growing up and tried to emulate his game on the streets of Paris. The 29-year-old developed his game within the walls of the Clairefontaine academy on the weekdays and represented Vincennes on the weekends.
He was capped 53 times for the French youth sides scoring 16 times. Later, he switched his allegiance to Algeria and has so far racked up 39 caps and 11 goals for the African nation.
Brahimi did spend a couple of seasons with La Liga outfit, Granada. He played in 64 games, registering 3 goals and 5 assists. After the first season loan spell, he was traded away for a lack of first-team place in the Rennes senior squad.
The 28-year-old has plenty of top-flight experience and has impressed in the European stage. Wolves will be able to offer him that illustrious path to Premier League football and also the outlet to shine within their system.
