Watford have been granted a work permit to sign Brazilian under-20 international Richarlison from Fluminense, who joins the club on a five year deal, reports James Nalton.
The Premier League side have paid around £11 million for his services, and he’ll now be available for selection for Watford’s first game of the season at home to Liverpool.
South American football experts at World Football Index recently recorded a scout report show on the player in which they discuss his strengths, weaknesses, and how he was able to gain a work permit for his move to England.
Listen to the podcast featuring Austin Miller and Tom Robinson below.
The 20-year-old is a quick two footed attacker who has a good amount of experience under his belt which belies his years. He’s made over 80 first team appearances during his time in Brazil, first in the second division for America Mineiro and then at the top level with Fluminense.
He has also played in the Copa Sudamericana — South America’s version of the Europa League — so has continental experience under his belt, and he’s also made numerous appearances for Brazil’s youth sides at international level.
Richarlison is a versatile forward who can play as the main striker or on either flank, and is especially effective when playing from the left, where he is able to cut inside onto his right foot which is slightly stronger than his left.
He could eventually lead the line for a Premier League side but for Watford he’s more likely to play a wide role, or if he does play centrally he may be more effective buzzing around a bigger striker such as Troy Deeney or Stefano Okaka.
He has developed a reputation for popping up in important situations for his club, regardless of the position he plays in, and he should fit well into any of new manager Marco Silva’s formations, playing as one of the wide attacking players or off the striker.
The fact that Portuguese manager Silva speaks the same language as him will help him settle in, as will the presence of fellow Brazilian, goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.
The player already has a good amount of talent, and his attributes will benefit his new club instantly, but his potential to improve will also have played a part in his signing.
He’s likely to have been granted a work permit on appeal due to the wage he’s being paid by the club, and due to the fact he was a regular for Fluminense.
COMMENTS