Wolves are being linked with a move for Atletico Madrid centre-back Felipe – and he might just bring the bite Julen Lopetegui needs.
It has now been widely reported that Wanderers are in talks with the Spanish clubs for two of their players, one being Felipe, the other being Matheus Cunha.
Wanderers are looking to bring in another centre-half, with Julen Lopetegui only having four options at the moment.
Nathan Collins, Maximilian Kilman, Toti Gomes and Yerson Mosqeura all have talent.
But there is a feeling that there just isn’t enough experienced and leadership there. Wolves certainly took a big risk offloading Conor Coady, Willy Boly and Romain Saiss.
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So Wolves are considering a move for Felipe, whose contract with Atleti expires next summer.
He would make for a very interesting signing.
The 33-year-old has fallen out of favour under Diego Simeone this season, but has enjoyed a good stint with Atleti overall.
He is known for being a physical defender, who definitely likes to get stuck in.
English football fans may remember him getting sent off in the Champions League against Manchester City back in April.
He scythed down Phil Foden to earn himself a booking, before then getting a second yellow as everything kicked off between the two teams.
That was the fourth red card Felipe has had in his career. He also got one against Liverpool in the Champions League for a cynical trip on Sadio Mane. That one was certainly controversial.
Felipe has a strong relationship with the referee’s notebook.
According to Transfermarket, he has picked up 84 yellow cards in 357 games in his club career to date. That works out at one every 4.25 games.
According to La Liga lowdown, Felipe carried the nickname ‘Vale Tudo’ from opposition fans during his time at FC Porto. That is a form of full-combat Brazilian martial arts that translates as ‘anything goes’.
Felipe would be a slight risk, but he’d certainly bring some much-needed aggression for Wolves
Felipe could be a decent addition for Wolves, but he would also be a slight risk.
He really loves a yellow card, and has shown he also has a red in him.
But that said, Wolves probably need a player of his type. Sometimes this season, things have been a bit too easy at the back.
It just feels like Wolves need that ‘no nonsense’ type of player. Someone who can bring a bit of aggression and strike fear into opposition strikers.
Recently, Steve Davis suggested that Kilman was lacking a bit in the aggression department.
And it can be argued that his defensive partner Collins is also more cultured than physical.
Felipe should therefore definitely be considered, and it sounds like Wolves are doing that.
The La Liga lowdown article does also state that Felipe had established himself as one of the best defenders in La Liga before the pandemic. That suggests there are more strings to his bow than just being a good physical defender.