All the talk around Wolves this week has to do with replacing Vitor Pereira, but rumours of a Palmeiras striker following Chelsea’s Estevao Willian to Europe are picking up steam.
Wolves are in an important moment after the decision to sack Pereira was made.
It’s a steep uphill battle ahead, and one which will require an injection of quality in January.
Naturally, whoever is brought on as manager will impact who is targeted, but a striker who Wolves have a long-standing interest in looks like making a move to Europe.
Wolves target Riquelme Fillipi eyeing Premier League move
Wolves have looked at Riquelme Fillipi as a target for some time.
The 18-year-old currently plays for Palmeiras in Brazil, a club that has recently produced talents like Chelsea’s Estevao and Real Madrid’s Endrick.
Wolves were reportedly preparing a bid for Fillipi towards the end of last season, but nothing came of it. Now, reports from Brazil claim that his team are working on a move.
As Nosso Palestra reports: “The staff of striker Riquelme Fillipi, one of the standout players from Palmeiras’ youth academy, travelled to England to speak with Premier League clubs interested in signing the player in the next transfer window.
“Wolverhampton and Nottingham Forest, who have previously negotiated with the player, remain interested in signing the academy graduate.”
Wolves signed two strikers this summer in Jorgen Strand Larsen and Tolu Arokodare, but Fillipi is a different profile altogether. He’s fast, skilful, and more of a second striker who could play off the big men.
Back in March, £5 million was the fee floated in links, but Palmeiras are now looking for £13 million for a young attacker they hold in high regard.
Russian side Zenit St Petersburg are also in the mix.
Wolves have to be active in January
We’ve passed a threshold in the season where Wolves now have to be looked at as favourites for relegation.
It’s a similar situation to last season, so it’s clear that a comeback is possible, but personnel decisions are going to be crucial — players and the manager.
As poor as the Wolves defence has been this season, there are enough players who can be solid under the right circumstances.
The areas most in need of strengthening are further up the pitch. Wolves and Pereira wanted another midfielder in the summer, so they will surely have some options lined up for the winter window.
Perhaps Fillipi can be the choice to bolster the front line.