According to a recent report by The Sunday Mirror (28/06, p66), Wolverhampton Wanderers are set to step up their efforts to land FC Porto midfielder Otavio this summer (via HITC). The same source has also revealed that the Brazilian midfield ace is valued at around £15m and has just a year left to run in his contract with the Portuguese giants. It is believed that Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo is a big admirer of the Liga NOS talent with Porto prepared to cash in on him in the upcoming transfer window (via HITC).
Otavio’s Excellent Form For Porto This Season
Otavio has enjoyed a fantastic season at the Estádio do Dragão after producing several eye-catching displays on the right side of Sérgio Conceição’s midfield. He has registered one goal and ten assists in 41 appearances for the Portuguese outfit this term across all competitions which highlight his creative influence going forward.
The Brazilian playmaker has shown remarkable consistency as evidenced by his average of 0.8 shots, 1.8 key passes and 2.3 dribbles per game in the Liga NOS and the UEFA Europa League this season. He has also been quite accurate with his ball-distribution after completing 81.5% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
The 25-year-old has represented Brazil at various youth levels but is yet to make his senior debut for Tite’s side at the highest level. Maybe a switch to Molineux Stadium this summer could provide him with a more prominent platform to showcase his skills and stake a claim for a spot in the Brazilian squad for next year’s Copa America.
What Will The Brazilian Wide Player Add To Nuno Espirito Santo’s Team?
Otavio can utilise his quickness and agility to complete some dangerous dribbles with the ball out on the wide areas. He has often been deployed on the right-wing but is also versatile enough to fill in as a central midfielder if required. His incredible versatility, coupled with his excellent creativity, makes him a perfect fit for Wolves before the start of the new campaign.
The Brazilian sensation is also a threat from dead-ball situations as he can put a lot of curve on the ball with his shots and crosses from long range. Plus, he is a tireless worker who is not afraid to cover a lot of ground for the benefit of his teammates.
Otavio will not only add more creativity to Nuno Espirito Santo’s midfield but also enhance the overall depth of his squad. He will provide some healthy competition for the likes of Matt Doherty and Adama Traore for a right-wing spot at the Molineux.
Recruiting a player of Otavio’s skill set could prove to be a shrewd signing for the West Midlands outfit ahead of the new season. At 25, he is currently playing at his peak which Nuno Espirito Santo could look to benefit from in the years to come.
