ROME, ITALY - JUNE 05: Luiz Felipe Ramos Marchi of SS Lazio during the SS Lazio training session at the Formello center on June 05, 2020 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi - SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Lazio defender Luiz Felipe is a target for newly-promoted Premier League side, Leeds United. The 23-year-old central defender has been with the Italian club since 2016, after joining from Ituano.
According to La Lazio Siamo Noi (via TalkSport), the Whites are preparing to make a bid of £27 million for the centre-back. But the same report claims that the Italian club will reject the offer as it is around £6-7 million less than what Lazio are demanding. Although Lazio are not interested in selling Luiz Felipe, they could do so if the right bid comes in for him.
Felipe has made nearly 90 appearances for the Italian club and has two years remaining on his current deal at Lazio.
Luiz Felipe is a talented young defender who burst onto the scene, coming up with assured displays to become a solid Serie A centre-back in a very short span of time.
The 23-year-old Brazilian is blessed with speed and agility, which has earned him comparisons with legendary Italian defender Alessandro Nesta. Felipe is an intelligent defender who is aware of dangerous attacking developments and uses his pace to nip in and make interceptions.
In the 2019-20 season, Felipe averaged 1.6 interceptions as well as 1.6 tackles per match. He often puts his body on the line to stop the opposition attackers and similar levels of commitment will be required if Leeds are to impress on their much-anticipated comeback to the top-tier.
The Brazilian has all the traits to be one of the best central defenders in Europe, which has been highlighted by interest from some of Europe’s elite.
Leeds United would benefit hugely from the signing of a player of the calibre of Luiz Felipe. His quick thinking and speed will make him a good fit in Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
The Whites desperately need a centre-back as they have just one natural, first-team option in captain Liam Cooper going into the Premier League season. A deal to bring back Ben White from Brighton does not seem like it’s going to materialise, which has forced Bielsa to keep scouring for top-quality options.
Luiz Felipe is young, quick, and put in good performances in Serie A last season. He can also play in a three-man defence, which Bielsa has used in the past. The signing of Luiz Felipe should be a no-brainer for Leeds United and something the board has to put their might behind.
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