In a recent print edition, A Bola has reported that Wolverhampton Wanderers are willing to pay up to €30m for SC Braga centre-forward Paulinho this summer. It is believed that the West Midlands side are the first team to register ‘serious interest’ in securing the Portuguese striker’s services during this summer transfer window. A Bola has also revealed that Wolves are ‘in the mood’ to table a bid in the region of €25-26m after Braga have declined Lazio’s €15m offer for the player recently (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness).
Paulinho’s Outstanding Goal-Scoring Record For Braga Last Season
Paulinho announced himself to the world last season when he put in several goal-scoring performances as the focal point of the Braga attack. He managed to score 25 goals and provided nine assists in 48 matches for Carlos Carvalhal’s side in the previous campaign on all fronts, which made him a joy to watch in Portuguese football.
The 27-year-old was quite productive inside the opposition penalty box, but didn’t provide too much in terms of running the channels in the final third after he averaged 2.9 shots, 1.1 key passes and only 0.4 dribbles per game in the Liga NOS and the UEFA Europa League. The Barcelos-born marksman didn’t take care of the ball well when distributing it as evident from his pass completion rate of 72.4% in the top tier of Portugal (stats via whoscored).
Paulinho is a product of the Santa Maria Academy and has done well to establish himself as one of the top goal-getters back in his homeland. Hence, he will be desperate to maintain his impressive form for whichever team he decides to play for in the upcoming campaign.
What Will The Portuguese Striker Add To Nuno Espirito Santo’s Team?
Paulinho boasts a lot of strength to hold the ball up with his back to goal and can be a constant menace for the opposition as he is a real handful when jumping up in the air. The ex-Gil Vicente forward has the might to outmuscle and shrug off his marker so that he can get a few shots in at goal. The Portuguese marksman has proven himself to be an unforgiving finisher in the offensive end of the pitch.
If Paulinho can keep his performance level up in the upcoming campaign, then he would have a good shot of being named in Fernando Santos’ squad for the forthcoming UEFA European Championship finals. Recruiting the Braga striker would be a fantastic coup for Wolves if they can find a way to lure him to the Molineux Stadium before the transfer window slams shut later this year.
Paulinho could prove to be an ideal replacement for Raul Jimenez if Nuno Espirito Santo decides to cash in on the Mexican forward this summer. If not, then Wolves would have a fearsome strikeforce as Paulinho could potentially form a lethal attacking partnership with Jimenez up top. Either way, the West Midlands giants would be getting a quality player if they can land the Portuguese frontman ahead of the new season.
