Soccer Football - Champions League - Quarter-Final - First Leg - Manchester City v Atletico Madrid - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - April 5, 2022. Atletico Madrid's Felipe reacts.
Nottingham Forest target Felipe is set to undergo a medical ‘later today’ ahead of completing his move to The City Ground, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Lowdown: Leverkusen’s attempted hijack
The Premier League club are in need of defensive reinforcements to ensure they avoid the drop at the end of the season, and the Atletico Madrid centre-back has been identified as the perfect candidate.
The Reds were credited with an interest in the 33-year-old earlier in the month but were in danger of a move collapsing after Bayer Leverkusen joined the race in an attempt to hijack his signature.
However, Steve Cooper’s side have since emerged as frontrunners for the Brazilian who now looks set to seal his transfer in the coming hours.
The Latest: Felipe set for medical
Taking to Twitter in the early hours of this morning, Romano confirmed that Forest are expected to finalise a deal for Felipe before tonight’s deadline, with tests likely scheduled to take place this afternoon.
He wrote: “Nottingham Forest are set to announce at least two more signings today: it’s all signed for Jonjo Shelvey, medical also completed.
“Next one: Felipe on permanent deal from Atlético Madrid, done on one year and half contract. Medical later today.”
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The Verdict: After Shelvey
As stated above, Newcastle United’s Jonjo Shelvey is close to being unveiled at Forest, and it sounds like Felipe will be the next to follow in his footsteps.
The 6 foot 2 colossus currently ranks in the 96th percentile for most blocks and clearances per 90 minutes in Europe’s top five leagues over the past 12 months and is averaging a hugely impressive 92.3% pass success rate in La Liga. That hints at a well-rounded defender who is adept both in and out of possession.
Felipe also has seven trophies to his name so will know what it’s like to have a taste of success, and Cooper will be hoping that this winning mentality is one that his imminent new arrival will be able to instil into the rest of the squad at the City Ground.
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