Barcelona News: This summer’s transfer window might see Barcelona look to add a defensive reinforcement in the form of Lazio’s Luiz Felipe, according to reports
When Luiz Felipe’s contract with Lazio expires at the end of the season, according to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona is interested in making a move for the Brazilian center-back.
Felipe rose through the ranks of Brazilian club Ituano FC before making the switch to Europe in 2016. He joined Lazio in a three-year deal. His loan at Salernitana was promptly extended for a season. There he made seven appearances before returning to the Stadio Olimpico the following season. Since his return, he has established himself as a more or less consistent member of the squad. He has made a total of 126 appearances to date.
Felipe has been a constant presence in the side this season when healthy and available for selection. He has collected a total of 22 appearances across all competitions this season. As a result of the fact that he has reached the last year of his contract with the Biancocelesti, his long-term future with Maurizio Sarri’s side has been put into doubt beyond the current season.
Defensive setup at the Catalan club right now:
Barcelona, who are looking to add defensive reinforcements to their squad in the summer, has taken notice of Felipe’s contract predicament and expressed an interest. The career of Gerard Pique is winding down. The Catalan giants will need reinforcements in their backline next season. Both Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti are set to depart Camp Nou either in January or after the current campaign.
Considering that Eric Garcia is still getting used to life in Catalonia, it would be beneficial to the club if they could bring in a somewhat more experienced defender to combine with Ronald Araujo in the center of the defense. The possibility of a transfer for Juventus superstar Matthijs de Ligt remains on the table. However, the club’s financial situation may prohibit them from bringing in the Netherlands international.
Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen, both of whom play for Chelsea, have been linked with a transfer to Camp Nou since their contracts with the club expire after the season. Felipe, who will be a free agent at the end of the season, has also surfaced as a possible addition to the Barça squad.
With almost 100 Serie A matches under his belt, the Brazilian will bring a wealth of knowledge to the team. Moreover, at the age of 24, he still has his finest years ahead of him in his career. The decision on whether or not Barcelona will initiate pre-contract negotiations with Felipe in January when he enters the last six months of his deal, or if they will choose to look at other options will be fascinating.