Lille's Brazilian defender Gabriel dos Santos Magalhaes (L) fights for the ball with Rennes' Senegalese forward Mbaye Niang (R)during the French L1 Football match between Rennes (SRFC) and Lille (LOSC), on September 22, 2019, at the Roazhon Park, in Rennes, northwestern France. (Getty Images)
Home » Teams » Wolves » No Boly, No problem – Wolves signing this reliable Brazil U20 star would effectively ease Nuno’s woes

No Boly, No problem – Wolves signing this reliable Brazil U20 star would effectively ease Nuno’s woes

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Why Gabriel Magalhaes to Wolves would help replace Willy Boly

According to Daily Mail, Wolves are interested in signing Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes after losing Willy Boly to a long-term injury.

Willy Boly’s injury has handed Wolves a huge blow ahead of a hectic schedule. The French-born defender has been a shining light at the back this season, impressing at the Molineux since moving from Porto in 2017.

In fact, he has been one of the first names on Nuno Espirito Santo’s team sheet since the start of 2017/18 but a broken ankle could rule him out for a number of months. In Boly’s absence, the likes of Conor Coady and Jesus Vallejo (on loan from Real Madrid) will need to step up to the plate for the Wanderers.

But as Wolves are playing in the Europa League this season, Nuno has to strengthen his squad in January. Hence, the signing of Gabriel Magalhaes would make sense.

Wolves have scouted Gabriel on more than one occasion, with the report claiming that the Midlands club had a representative in last Saturday’s Ligue 1 fixture against Bordeaux.

Gabriel, 21, has been a crucial part of the impressive Lille side who currently sit third in the Ligue 1 table. Before making his breakthrough at Lille this term, he had loan spells at Troyes and Dinamo Zagreb after joining the Ligue 1 club from Brazilian outfit Avai in January 2017.

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The fact that the Lille defender is still just 21 would make him a smart long-term investment for Wolves if he manages to fulfil his true potential.

Verdict

If Wolves are interested in Gabriel, they must go all out to sign him in January. The Brazil U20 star has enjoyed a good start to the season with Lille and he can be a handy replacement for Boly.