Hulk Has Hopes High

Next season we may see one of Europe’s hottest young talents take the Barclays Premier League by storm. It’s no surprise Givanildo Vieira de Souza, also known as Hulk, has been linked with almost every top football side the world has to offer as he rather quickly grabs attention and stimulates interest of onlookers. Once this Brazilian international exploded onto the football map, initially in Japan before moving to Portuguese side FC Porto in 2008, his name may have raised a few eyebrows but his attributes have had jaws dropping ever since. As the nickname suggests not only does Hulk have immense strength supported by his stocky build but incredible speed and dazzling skill along with an absolute bullet of a left foot shot striking fear in the eyes of goalkeepers. As demonstrated by his statistics, in the last two seasons alone he has been in impeccable form, scoring 57 goals, providing 36 assists in 91 appearances, simply a goal machine. In addition he is packed with creativity, capable of tactically pulling defenders out of their positions as he persistently flies across the field in order to create space for his team mates to take advantage. This new found deadly consistency has officially made Hulk one of the world’s most wanted attackers, an instrumental figure with some truly magnificent performances for Porto in their success of the Portuguese Primeira League title, the Portuguese Cup and the UEFA Europa League. With his agent stating he will definitely be moving this summer it’s about time this class act made a step up to one of Europe’s biggest clubs...

A player of Hulk’s ability would surely become a huge hit in the EPL. So perhaps the news that the UEFA Champions League winners Chelsea have agreed a £38m deal to sign the striker comes less of a surprise. Although subject to confirmation there is little doubt Stamford Bridge will be home to the exciting prospect sometime soon, a player who has long been in their sights. Although having a hefty price tag, this man-mountain of striker is worth every penny as when he receives the ball great things can happen like his agent Theodoro Fonseca states:

“For any club, Hulk provides goals, pleasure and titles and those are priceless.”

So it would be a wise decision from the Blues if they were to capture a player of this quality, as he can certainly provide that missing spark, ready to make an impact in a more prestigious league. The Porto sensation would prove to be a great asset to the club by potentially driving them forward into the top four again, as he excels on either wing and as the main striker, a nightmare for defenders. He would ultimately be part of a dangerous Chelsea attack, adding serious firepower this marquee signing will partner fellow winger Juan Mata to deliver more pace and attacking prowess to the field of play. The powerhouse of Hulk has the capability of scoring from anywhere, he tends to cut inside and find space to unleash a rocket before burning defenders down the sideline, a true playmaker. The West London side look set to have a strong team heading into the 2012/13 season, the offensive midfield trio of Hulk, Eden Hazard and Mata will shape a formidable threat and may give frustrated Spanish star Fernando Torres better supply in the hope he will rediscover his goal scoring form.

Summer signings like these often prove a club means business in which Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich has made it perfectly clear with a serious statement of intent. In total this mega signature has Chelsea’s summer spending spree at the 80m mark as they have already snapped up Belgian star Eden Hazard for £32m and German international Marko Marin for £8m with many more great names expected to join the club. Despite their Champions League triumph there is a plan to rejuvenate the ageing squad, after finishing sixth in the League last season they are in need of a vital boost on and off the field. The Blues are yet to appoint a manager on a permanent basis, though former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola remains the ideal candidate the future of interim manager Roberto Di Matteo, who led Chelsea to two titles, is still unclear.