According to the Corriere dello Sport, Barcelona have set their sights on Lazio’s centre back Luiz Felipe. It is believed that his price tag is in the region of €20m (Football Italia). However, he is negotiations with Lazio to extend his stay. Felipe has caught the eye of Barcelona scouts, and they seem interested in getting him.
Not many clubs or players can refuse a giant like Barcelona. The 22-year-old defender has represented Brazil at the u-20 level before. After some of his displays this season for title-challenging Lazio, he could come in reckoning to play for the Brazilian national side in the future.
Why might Barcelona need a defender soon?
Felipe has made 23 appearances in all competitions this season and has even scored one goal and assisted once in the Serie A. Barcelona could be on the lookout for a new defender as Samuel Umtiti has been linked with a move away over the past year. Gerard Pique is also in the final lap of his career, and the Spanish giants would need a long term replacement for him.
Umtiti has made 11 appearances in the La Liga this season which showcases he isn’t a mainstay at the back. Barcelona have conceded the most goals among the top 3 Spanish clubs so far this campaign, and their backline has been their Achilles heel this campaign.
What can Luiz Felipe bring at Camp Nou?
Felipe has impressed primarily with his defensive awareness as he can get in the right place at the right time to make crucial blocks and interceptions. The Brazilian also has that extra pace which allows him to recover when he has to chase attackers.
His short passing is up to the mark though the defender would need to improve on his overall distribution if he wants to succeed at a club like Barcelona. Felipe is often aggressive and physical in his approach, and we think that he can be a handy signing for Barcelona.
The expectation, though, would be high from the offset for the Spanish giants. We have seen in the past few seasons how some players coming in at Barcelona with great reputation have struggled. Hence, Felipe too might need some time to settle in. However, he seems to have the raw ingredients necessary to thrive at the top level. The Brazilian is still just 22, so he is likely to improve further. Hence, the Spanish giants should consider signing him in the summer.
