Recent reports from TuttoMercatoWeb (as cited by talkSPORT) suggest that Leicester City are keen on signing Porto midfielder Otavio as Brendan Rodgers seems set to bolster his attacking options.
The report further states that the Foxes have already submitted an offer for the Brazilian playmaker who is set to become a free agent coming summer; however, AC Milan, Napoli, Roma, Juventus, and even Arsenal are believed to be in the race for the 25-year-old’s signature.
Otavio’s Excellent Form In Portuguese Football This Season
Over the course of his six-and-a-half seasons in Liga NOS, Otavio has played an instrumental role for Porto – bagging 17 goals and 45 assists in 166 appearances across all competitions. So far this season, the Brazilian international has featured in 10 league games for the Dragons, registering 2 goals and 4 assists to his name.
Otavio primarily operates in the attacking midfield role where his technical abilities permit him to carry the ball forward, take on the defenders and link up the offensive play to make things easier for the front men. Often running into the channels between the opposition defences, the 25-year-old makes chance creation and conversion far easier for his side which is quite evident from the numbers he has put up on the board this season – averaging 1.5 key passes, 2.7 dribbles, and 0.5 crosses per 90 minutes in the Portuguese top-flight. Quite clearly, his central strengths lie in creativity and invention – two traits that help him draw defenders towards himself, thereby creating plenty of exploitable space for the strikers upfront. Furthermore, his versatility across the midfield means he can even fulfil the wider roles. In fact, six of his outings this term have been on the left flank.
Is He A Right Fit For The Foxes?
With Jamie Vardy turning 35 next year and Demarai Gray’s future uncertain at the club, head coach Brendan Rodgers has admitted that the Foxes will have to plan their future recruitments accordingly – and Otavio fits the bill.
“Of course, the backdrop is the club always has to be looking forward and planning forward, not just in Jamie’s position but in every position – it’s something which is an on-going process with every player.” – The Irish tactician stated.
His arrival at the King Power stadium will mean that he instantly competes with James Maddison for a place in the starting line-up. At 25, Otavio has won multiple domestic trophies with the Blue and Whites and will add much-needed depth and experience to the Leicester squad. Hence, Rodgers should try and get this deal over the line in the coming months.
