Wolves are eyeing a move for Benfica right-back Andre Almeida, and are leading the chance to sign the Portuguese International.
According to a report from the Sun, Almeida is on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs, including Brighton, Leicester City, and Southampton, with Wolves and Everton leading the chase.
The Portuguese sees himself playing for a top half Premier League club, so the five could be narrowed down to three with Brighton and Southampton ruled out.
Almeida managed two goals and eleven assists in 33 appearances in the Liga NOS this season, and lifted the Portuguese title last week.
That’s more assists than Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane, one more goal and the same number of assists as Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.
One could argue the quality of the leagues they play in, yet the numbers Almeida has managed are pretty impressive.
Andre Almeida under Nuno: A good match
Almeida is a versatile right-back who has shown the ability to play on either flank, and in the defensive midfield role. With Wolves set to play in European football next season, Nuno Espirito Santo would love to have a player with such potential and versatility in his squad.
Europa League qualifiers will be knocking on the Wanderers’ doorstep pretty early, and the manager will face a big challenge to keep his players fresh for the domestic season, and that is where squad depth can play a huge role. Almeida could be a key signing for the Wanderers in this regard.
Almeida has also featured for Benfica in both European competitions (Champions League and Europa League) which is another key aspect that might help Wolves in Europe.
Nuno generally deploys his team in a 3-5-2 or a 3-4-2-1 formation with the wing-backs playing a vital role in Wolves’ success. Almeida, with his key passes, aerial ability, and linkup play would fit in pretty well.
Wolves have a rich Portuguese majority in the dressing room, from the manager himself to players like Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho, who can make Almeida’s transition to the Premier League quite smooth.
Another great thing about the potential signing is Almeida’s price-tag, which is fairly modest. He would cost Wolves £10m, which is something they can easily afford.
It’s quite early on in the summer to say he will definitely join Wolves, but the addition of Almeida would strengthen the squad.
Stat Courtesy: Whoscored, Transfermarkt