Barcelona have been closely monitoring Brazilian defender Luiz Felipe, who currently plays for Serie A side Lazio. The 22-year-old centre back has been with the Italian side since 2016 and has come to prominence this season, following the Italian side’s strong run in the league.
As per Mundo Deportivo, Felipe’s agent spoke about Barcelona’s interest in his client and said that it is an honour that a club like Barcelona are interested in the defender. The agent, though, quelled talks of move by saying that Felipe was concentrating on winning the league with Lazio once Serie A resumes. Italian giants Juventus are also keeping a close eye on the Brazilian, who could move in the summer for a fee of around €40 million, as per the report.
His current deal with Lazio expires in 2022, having signed an extension in 2018. Felipe has made over 75 appearances for the club in all competitions since signing for them in 2016.
Luiz Felipe: A smashing move by the club?
Luiz Felipe has grown by leaps and bounds this season, putting in strong performances for Lazio at the back. The Brazilian is a player with a lot of potential and has solid experience in Italy. A quick defender, Felipe is very good at nipping in and pinching the ball off the opponent’s feet, thanks to his good positioning and awareness.
He presses up high to close the space for the opposition’s attackers, while also being very good in one-on-one situations. In the Serie A this season, Felipe averages 1.6 interceptions per game, while making 2.5 clearances per game. He is also technically good with his passing, averaging 40 passes per game, including 2.5 long balls.
The Brazilian is a player with loads of potential and one that will grow and become a very good player. He has impressed for Lazio this season, which has attracted interest from the likes of Barcelona. The Catalans could benefit from signing a young player like Felipe, who has the tenacity and aggression in defence to play Barca’s style of play.
With reports suggesting that Samuel Umtiti could be on his way out of Nou Camp in the summer, Luiz Felipe could be his ideal replacement, as the third-choice centre back behind Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet.