Who is Fluminese’s Richarlison, with £12million striker linked with Chelsea?

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Italian agent Gianluca Di Marzio claims that Brazilian striker Richarlison could be set to join Chelsea. The Daily Mail believe that the striker is valued at £12 million, and was very close to a move to Ajax before Chelsea emerged as a candidate for his signature. Inter Milan and Sampdoria were also interested in the forward.

Who is Richarlison?

A 20-year-old forward, Richarlison usually figures as a centre-forward but can also feature on either flank. He is capped at Brazil under 20 level, with three goals in ten appearances for the international youth team.

Where has he been?

Richarlison began his career as a professional at America Mineiro and burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old, scoring nine in 24 as his side won promotion from Serie B to Serie A.

That caught the eye of Fluminese, who forked out £2 million to sign the teenager and bring him to the top flight. It took the forward time to adapt, with only three goals in 22 games in his debut season, but he has improved with age. Now developing into a maturer figure, he scored seven in 16 last season.

What’s his style of play?

The pacey forward likes to make the most of his burst of speed and makes quick movements. That involves a lot of short passes and movement which drags defenders all over the place.

When featuring in a wide role, Richarlison can be compared to Eden Hazard and Pedro in that he is often keen to take on defenders and then cut inside, acting more as an inside forward than an out-and-out winger.

If there is one criticism of the striker, it is that he lacks strength and can be found struggling to hold on to the ball at times. That lack of hold up play will not suit Antonio Conte’s style and is not a good sign before moving to the physical Premier League.

What role would he play at Chelsea?

Honestly, it seems that Richarlison will join the hordes of Chelsea players to head out on loan. The 20-year-old has impressed in Brazil but it seems unlikely that he will go straight into competing for a role in the first team.

With seven goals in 18 games for Fluminese last season, it does seem unlikely that he will be good enough to make an immediate impact. A loan within Europe may help him to adapt to the style of football and be in contention in a year’s time.