Wolves have an ‘agreement’ to bring Vinicius Souza to the Premier League this summer one year after Celtic missed out on the Manchester City-owned midfielder, according to Mundo Deportivo.
No player in the whole of Belgium’s top flight averaged more tackles per game last season than Souza’s 3.7 (WhoScored). And if there were any doubts about whether the former KV Mechelen enforcer could make a similar impact in one of Europe’s major leagues, Souza is certainly dispelling those at Espanyol.
He, again, ranks right at the top of the tree when it comes to successful tackles per 90 minutes. His average of 3.8 is well above the next best of 3.2 (WhoScored). Souza’s Espanyol side are only four points above the drop zone. Make no mistake, they’d be steering a damn-sight closer to the wind without the Brazilian’s belligerent ball-winning ability.
Espanyol are under no illusions about Souza’s future, however; Mundo Deportivo reporting that Barcelona’s near neighbours are already in pursuit of his replacement. Parent club Man City rejected the chance to include an option-to-buy clause in the 23-year-old’s Los Periquitos contract last summer.
Pep Guardiola’s Premier League champions, MD add, consider Souza a player of ‘great potential’. Wolverhampton Wanderers have ‘agreed’ a deal that would see the one-time Flamengo youngster join Julen Lopetegui’s ranks for next term.
Given how highly he is regarded at the Etihad, however, do not be surprised to see Souza join Wolves on another short-term deal without a purchase clause.
Wolves close in on former Celtic target Vinicius Souza
Souza opted for Espanyol last summer, following in the footsteps of compatriot and idol Casemiro.
Ange Postecoglou had hoped to work with the one-time Brazil U20 international at Parkhead. But Souza, after excelling in Belgium, felt his development would have been better served against higher-quality opposition (Daily Mail).
Souza, reportedly valued in the £8 million bracket by Manchester City (Sky Sports), will potentially return to England a far more mature, well-rounded footballer. In Spain, he has tested himself against the likes of Barcelona, Atletico, Real Madrid and Sociedad.
At Wolves, Souza will add further depth alongside January additions Mario Lemina and Joao Gomes. The Molineux outfit could lose 36-year-old Joao Moutinho when his contract expires. Ruben Neves, meanwhile, is once again certain to attract interest.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
