Speaking to Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo, Stefano Castagna – the agent of Lazio defender Luiz Felipe – spoke about a possible deal between the Biancocelesti and Barcelona.
“If Barcelona has been following him, it is an honor. For now, Luiz has is only thinking about Lazio and wants to win the Scudetto after Coronavirus has passed. But, of course, Barcelona is Barcelona.”
Castagna then described Luiz Felipe’s characteristics.
“Let’s talk about a very complete player, who is fast and technical. He is doing – and has accomplished – great things in Italy, and it is normal that many prominent teams want to talk with Lazio about him. He is currently 22-years-old and has an Italian passport. For the way he plays, he would be perfect for Spanish football. To date though, nobody from Barcelona has spoken to me; although several major European clubs contacted Lazio before the Coronavirus emergency broke out…There aren’t many central defenders on the market right now.”
According to Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo, the value of the Brazilian who is under contract with the Biancocelesti until 2022, is around €40 million. Luiz Felipe also earns just €500 thousand euros plus bonuses per year, which is a figure much lower than any other potential prospects Barcelona are considering. Furthermore, the 22-year-old has an Italian passport; this means that he would not occupy a position being saved for a non-EU player.
This season, the player has made 23 appearances in all competitions; 19 have come from the top flight of Italian football, where he has made 18 starts, scored one goal, and provided one assist.
Luiz Felipe joined Lazio in the summer of 2016 from fourth division Brazilian side Ituano Futebol Clube (SP). After being loaned out to Serie B side Salernitana for one season, he remained with the club and has since become a vital part of the team’s core.
