Southampton are now the favourites to sign £25 million-rated Shakhtar Donetsk winger Tete, according to UOL, despite interest from Premier League rivals Leicester City and Brentford.
A couple of years ago, Tete admitted that he dreams of one day plying his trade for Liverpool.
The comedians among you will no doubt point out that, if the Brazil U23 international impresses at St Mary’s, it won’t be long before he’s on his way to Merseyside.
After all, Liverpool have a habit of signing Southampton’s best and brightest. A future at Anfield can wait for now though. Tete has to figure things out in the present before casting his mind further down the line.
According to UOL, Shakhtar have agreed to let 22-year-old leave as the Russia – Ukraine war rages on.
And though the Premier League have decided against allowing players based in Russia or Ukraine to move to Britain outside of the transfer window – blocking Burnley’s pursuit of Spartak Moscow winger Victor Moses – there is nothing to stop Tete arriving in the summer.
Especially with just 12 months left on his Shakhtar contract.
Which club will Shakhtar Donetsk’s Tete join?
UOL claims that Serie A leaders AC Milan are keen. As are Sevilla, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dormund.
Tete’s representatives have also held talks with Benfica, Monaco and Lyon, while Brentford and Leicester City are ready to offer him a fresh start in England.
But it is understood that the most likely destination for Tete, at this stage, is Southampton. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have submitted a ‘formal proposal’.
UOL’s claims back up an earlier statement by talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, who stated on Twitter that the Saints were in ‘advanced’ talks with Tete.
An exciting, skilful attacking midfielder who once dazzled in a shock 3-2 Champions League victory over Real Madrid, 2021/22 is actually the most prolific campaign of Tete’s career. He’s scored ten times in 28 games.
- READ MORE: Fulham’s XI if they kept their top stars
And though Tete won’t be a Southampton player until the summer – thanks to that Premier League ruling – this would still be one hell of a coup for a rather mid-ranking member of England’s top flight.
After all, it’s not often Southampton beat Bayern, Dortmund, Milan and Sevilla to a Brazilian forward.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
