As Bruno Lage edges closer to the vacant Wolverhampton Wanderers job, the Midlands outfit have set their sights on one of his former strikers…
What’s the word?
According to Correio da Manha (via Sport Witness), Wolves are set to battle Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma for Brazilian forward Carlos Vinicius this summer.
It’s claimed that the two teams are the ‘most likely destinations’ for the 26-year-old, with his current club Benfica set to demand around €45m (£38m) for his signature.
The Old Gold also have a slight advantage as the Primeira Liga outfit’s interest in Ruben Vinagre could mean they land Vinicius for a little cheaper. The young full-back has been out on loan to league rivals Famalicao this season.
Would Vinicius be a good signing for Wolves?
YES 100%!
NO WAY!
Imagine him and Lage
Whilst Lage doesn’t qualify for a work permit to work in England outright, it is thought that Wolves are confident he would get one on appeal, via The Athletic.
Therefore it does seem likely that the Jorge Mendes client will become Fosun’s next manager, which is one thing they can cross off their list of things to do.
Signing a striker like Vinicius makes sense as Wolves struggled to score goals in the absence of Raul Jimenez last season. They bagged just one more goal than relegated West Brom, whilst no team 16th or better scored fewer than their 36 goals.
The £18m-rated striker has just completed a loan spell at Premier League rivals Spurs this campaign. And even though he rarely featured in the top-flight, whenever he was given an opportunity, he has impressed.
Of course, it’s not an easy job to play second fiddle to Harry Kane.
As per Transfermarkt, Vinicius found the net ten times in 22 appearances, averaging one goal every 97.3 minutes. By comparison, Wolves’ joint top-goalscorers, Pedro Neto and Ruben Neves, scored ten between them in the league.
Under Lage’s coaching, the Benfica frontman thrived, which will only encourage Fosun to strike on a deal even more.
In fact, Vinicius’ best career returns have come under the former Sheffield Wednesday assistant manager, having scored 22 and assisted 12 in 41 appearances, via Transfermarkt.
Evidently, Lage can get the best out of the uncapped 6 foot 3 powerhouse and praise of his performances this season should provide further reason to why Wolves should move.
BT Sport pundit Glenn Hoddle described Vinicius as “exciting” whilst his former Rio Ave boss Jose Gomes believes he’s a “powerful” and “intelligent” player.
If Fosun want to get the Midlands back on track, then they could do no wrong in sealing both Lage and Vinicius this summer.
AND in other news, Wolves could discover their new Afobe with summer swoop for “ruthless” £18m bully…