Wolves have been linked with Palmeiras starlet Riquelme Fillipi ahead of the summer transfer window.
Fillipi is capturing the attention of Wolves, with the 18-year-old making waves in Brazil for Palmeiras U20.
Though the rising star is yet to play at senior level, there are high hopes for the winger, with a Premier League move a possibility amid Vitor Pereira’s interest.
Pereira has his heart set on signing a forward in the summer transfer window, and Fillipi could be that figure, being an assassin in wide areas as he continues his development in Brazil.
The Old Gold have found great success in the South American market in recent years, most notably acquiring Joao Gomes, Andre and Pedro Lima from Brazil.
It seems as though the West Midlands club are eager to test the water in the region again, as Wolves have also been scouting Victor Gabriel.
There are plenty of rising stars perfecting their craft in Brazil at present, two of which are on Wolves’ radar.
To get the lowdown on Fillipi, Molineux News spoke to Brazilian journalist Henrique Toth, a writer for Vamo Futebol.
Why do you think Fillipi has been so successful so early in his career?
“Palmeiras has specialized in developing forwards. Endrick (Real Madrid), Estevao (Chelsea), Luis Guilherme (West Ham), Kevin (Shakhtar Donetsk) and Giovanni (Al-Sadd) are some examples.
“I would say that it is easy for a new talent to emerge at Palmeiras. The club has established processes, work methodology and talent to spare.”
What is so special about Fillipi’s style of play?
“Filipi is a fast and skillful winger. But he is not like Estevao, who uses and abuses individual play.
“Riquelme has good attacking ability, can make one-twos, is aggressive and has good finishing. His numbers this season show this: 12 goals in 12 games. Last year, he scored 15 goals in 49 games.
“His prominence at Palmeiras has increased this year. This is because Thalys and Luighi, who were starters, were promoted to the first team.”
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 12 | 12 | 3 |
What are people in Brazil saying about Fillipi? Is he as highly rated as the likes of Estevao?
“Palmeiras fans are hopeful about Riquelme Fillipi, but they know it will be difficult for the youngster to find a place in the main team.
“I would say that he is not as highly regarded as Estevao. It is difficult to reach Estevao’s level. Palmeiras understands that Estevao is the first player with the potential to win the Ballon d’Or to come through the club’s youth system.”
Is Fillipi ready for senior football, could you see him fitting in in England?
“I believe he has the ability to play in English football, but it will take time.
“Luis Guilherme, who is currently at West Ham, is a good example. Luis spent more time in the Palmeiras first team, and even so he has struggled to play in England.
“This is normal for young players, in another country, in another style of play.”
Wolves play a 3-4-2-1 formation, do you think this shape could fit Fillipi’s game?
“Yes. Palmeiras trains its youth players to play in different positions. Riquelme has played as a winger, as a centre forward and even as a midfielder.”
Do you think Wolves’ trust in young South Americans could inspire Filipi to move?
“I believe that every young player in Brazil dreams of playing in Europe. That is why we are seeing more and more players signing contracts at 16 (Endrick), 17 (Estevao) and 18 (Luis Guilherme).
“The presence of Brazilian players [at Wolves], such as Andre and Joao Gomes, could be an attraction for the player. This would make it easier for Riquelme to adapt.
“The big question is for Riquelme himself. He will need to understand that, if he goes to Wolves, he will not arrive with starting status. Just like at Palmeiras.”