Barcelona have reportedly set their sights on 24-year-old Lazio defender Luiz Felipe for a move in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web, Luiz Felipe is the subject of interest from Barcelona over a move in the summer transfer window. The Brazilian defender’s entourage have recently held talks with the Catalan giants over the possibility of a transfer.
Luiz Felipe joined Lazio from South American club Ituano in the summer of 2016. After initially making slow progress and even being sent out on loan to lowly Salernitana, the 24-year-old has grown into the role of being a mainstay at the back for the Biancocelesti.
The ongoing season has been hampered by a long-term ankle injury but over the course of his Lazio stint, Felipe has turned out 100 time for the Serie A outfit, even chipping in with 2 goals and 4 assists. However, with his contract having just a little over a year remaining, a summer exit could be on the cards. And, Barcelona could pounce on this situation.
Barcelona are reportedly eager to bolster their defence going into the summer transfer window, as they continue to overhaul their squad under Ronald Koeman. The reasons to do so make sense as well, considering Gerard Pique is well into the final phase of his career while Samuel Umtiti could be shown the exit door at Camp Nou soon, with Manchester United among those interested.
So, while Eric Garcia appears set to make his way to Barcelona on a Bosman move this summer, signing another centre-back is imperative, considering Koeman uses a system that utilises a three-man central defensive unit. To that end, Barcelona have been linked with Matthijs de Ligt, Aissa Mandi, Jorge Cuenca and others, with Felipe emerging as a viable target as well.
In fact, the Blaugrana recent held talks with the player’s representatives after having expressed an interest in him. Interestingly, while signing him this summer is an option, Barcelona are also weighing up the possibility of putting off the move till next year, when they will be able to sign him on a free transfer.
Either way, Luiz Felipe has emerged as a potential economical option for Barcelona heading into the summer transfer window. What will now be interesting to see is whether the Catalans go on to sign the 24-year-old defender this summer or wait till next year to secure his services.
