Here we take a look at the man wanted by Southampton, Leicester, Celtic and Wolves. Southampton and Leicester City have both been linked with a move for Vitoria Guimaraes winger Jota Silva.According to HITC, they are not the only ones, with Premier League sides Wolves and Brighton and Scottish giants Celtic also registered with an interest. It is claimed that half of the teams in the Premier League have been watching him, so Southampton and Leicester are set to face heavy competition for his signature if they do decide to pursue him. But who is Jota Silva.
Silva is a 24-year-old Portuguese winger, currently playing his trade in his home nation, for Vitoria Guimaraes in the top flight. He has been compared to Jack Grealish, due to his slicked-back hair and low socks. Even Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva sees the similarities. He started his career in the Portuguese third division with UD Sousense. He broke his leg when he was 17, but he managed to come back from that major setback.Spending time with Pacos de Ferreira afterwards, predominantly playing for their B team. He has said himself that his time with them was ‘incredible and important’ for his development as a player. In July 2020, he then made the step up to the second division with Leixões, originally signing a three-year deal. His time there only lasted half a season, when he was released.B Bouncing back from another setback, he joined Casa Pia, which is where he started to make his name in Portugal. In the 21/22 season, he scored 11 goals in 33 games, helping his side return to the top flight for the first time in 83 years. He was also included in the Team of the Year, too. His ability was recognised, being signed by his current club Vitoria on a three-year deal in the summer of 2022.
This season has been his breakout year. So far in the Primeira Liga, he has nine goals and five assists in 25 league games. He has been playing as either a right winger/forward in a 3-4-3, or as the right striker in a 3-5-2. Comparing himself to Diogo Jota, his forward play shows some similarities. His stats show that he likes to play more like a typical striker than a winger, with his low dribbling and crossing stats. Vitoria are currently fifth in the Primeira Liga, three points off of the European qualification places. They are also through to the semi-finals of the Taca de Portugal, too. His form has obviously caught the eye in Europe, but in his home nation, he has attracted more attention. So much so that he received his first call-up to the Portuga national squad for this international break. Roberto Martinez’s side have friendlies against Sweden on Thursday, and then play Slovenia five days later, as preparations get underway for the Euros in June. Silvs will be hoping to get some minutes and earn his first cap for his nation, and also impress Martinez, in the hopes that he is packed too represent Portugal in Germany in the summer.
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