Wolves could be set for a major coup in the transfer market as reports have emerged regarding a potential bid for Rafael Leao.
Indeed, according to reports in the Italian press (via The Daily Mail), Wolves are one of a number of sides in the Premier League that are showing an interest in signing him this summer, alongside Arsenal and Everton.
Speaking to Italian outlet Tuttosport (via Goal), former Juventus man Alessio Tacchinardi once compared him to former Premier League ace Thierry Henry, stating: “The characteristics of the two players are the same: you see the pace in one-on-ones and they always go on the outside to break through the opponent’s defence. I was slaughtered on social media for this comparison. But just compare the videos and there’s nothing else to say: they’re the same.”
However, the CIES Football Observatory, a group that does exclusive research and statistical analysis on players, has developed a powerful econometric approach to assess the transfer value of professional footballers on a scientific basis. According to them, Leao is estimated to be valued at somewhere in the region of €50m-€70m (£41.8m-£58.4m).
So if the asking price for Leao is anywhere near that sort of valuation, and Wolves are willing to pay it, it would break the club’s transfer record that was set with the signing of Fabio Silva back in 2020.
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TIF Thoughts on reports about Wolves and Rafael Leao…
Bruno Lage’s men, whilst not exactly the most exciting team in the Premier League this season with just 21 goals to their name in their first 23 games, have managed to position themselves nicely for a shot at European football next season.
And the prestige of European football means that they can begin to attract a higher class of talent to bring to the side, and these reports suggest that’s exactly what they are planning to do.
It’s safe to say that Henry had a very productive time when he was in England, and if Leao could even produce at half the level that he was able to, Wolves could be on for an exceptional talent.
A signing like this would act as a statement to the rest of the Premier League that the club are willing to spend big when they need to, and that they aren’t going away from wanting to be perennial challengers for a European spot.
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