Argentina’s ‘Angels with Dirty Faces’ reputation precedes them, and with very good reason. Don’t let that boyish, butter-wouldn’t-melt expression fool you; 19-year-old Maximo Perrone as as ruthless and as iron-willed as they some.
The Buenos Aires-born midfielder might look like a choirboy, but running through his veins is a ruthless streak reminiscent of the greatest Albiceleste talent.
In 33 games for Velez Sarsfield this season, Perrone has accumulated no fewer than 13 yellow cards. The teenager models himself on Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets, and it seems he has inherited the Spaniard’s love for the dark arts, as well as his penchant for line-breaking passes.
“(Central midfield) is the position that I like the most,” Perrone explains. “Because (in midfield) the ball passes through me a lot, I the pitch in front of me and I can reach the penalty area.”
“I want to cover all the positions in midfield. I identify with Busquets.”
Will Maximo Perrone end up at Newcastle United or Wolves?
A Wolverhampton Wanderers side mired in the Premier League’s relegation zone following a disastrous start to the new season could certainly make good use of Perrone’s tangy blend of physicality and finesse. Especially with Joao Moutinho slowing down at the age of 36, and Ruben Neves’ future at Molineux increasingly uncertain.
According to El Cancha, Wolves have expressed an interest in the ‘spectacular’ Perrone; his all-action style making the youngster well-suited to life in a Julen Lopetegui midfield. He could, for instance, perform a similar role to that of Joan Jordan at Lopetegui’s Sevilla. Setting the tone and creating a rhythm in the centre of the park.
The Argentina U20 international reportedly has a £9 million release clause in his contract. A contract that has just over 12 months left to run.
Wolves are not alone in expressing an interest, however. According to Velez670 reporter Agustin Sileo, Newcastle United are now forcing their way to the front of the queue. A formal offer for Perrone, he adds, will arrive from St James’ Park in the next few days.
The ball, then, is back in Wolves’ court. With Newcastle going hell for leather, the men from Molineux must respond and respond quickly unless they are to miss out on a player who, dynamic yet devilish in a 5ft 8ins frame, could help Wolves move on from the ageing Moutinho; a player for the future, but one also capable of making a big impact in the present too.
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