MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 27: Felipe of Atletico de Madrid in action during the UEFA Champions League Group A stage match between Atletico de Madrid and RB Salzburg at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on October 27, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
According to AS (h/t ESPN), Barcelona have narrowed in on Felipe of Atletico Madrid to solve their defensive problems. A temporary six-month loan deal or a permanent deal could be on the cards. It is being said that Barcelona’s technical department wants two new defenders with Felipe and Eric Garcia being touted to be targets.
Felipe spent his youth career at Valtra and Uniao Futebol Clube from 2007 to 2011. It was at Bragantino that he turned professional. From there, he went to join Coimbra MG and he went out on loan spells from there.
The 31-year-old joined Corinthians on a four-year loan deal in 2012 and went on to make 70 appearances for them. Corinthians signed him on a permanent in 2016 but was let go that year to Porto. At Porto, he played in 147 games, scoring 11 goals and providing 6 assists.
Last season, Atletico Madrid signed him and since then he has gone on to establish himself as one of Atletico’s first-choice central defenders. The Brazilian has made 2 appearances for the national team till date.
Gerard Pique’s injury has forced Barcelona into rethinking their transfer plans. The Spaniard is out injured until April. They have also not been helped by the constant injury niggles to Samuel Umtiti.
With Clement Lenglet as the only senior option available, academy players Ronald Araujo and Oscar Mingueza have been thrown into the mix. Signing Felipe would help them in shoring up their defence in that regard.
The Brazilian has become an important player at the Wanda Metropolitano. Atleti have been performing well this season and Felipe has been a huge part of it. In just one and half seasons, he has racked up 46 appearances for Simeone’s side. If the Argentine manager shows faith in a defensive player, you know how good that player is.
Even if it’s on a loan deal, Barcelona could use his services. He already has the experience of playing in La Liga, which would be an added bonus. Barcelona should definitely pursue the Atleti man as he will be a good addition to their backline.
