OPINION
Wolverhampton Wanderers would be foolish not to act on their recent reported interest in 103-cap Portugal star Pepe.
Portuguese publication Record claimed last week that Molineux is one of the defender’s most likely destinations after his Besiktas contract was terminated recently.
The 35-year-old is represented by super agent Jorge Medes, who has strong ties to Wolves, and so a switch to the Midlands would be a natural next step for the serial winner.
And for Wolves it would be a smart short-term signing, as well. Pepe has lost a step in his advancing years, of course, but he remains tactically adept and physically dominant.
Plus, Nuno Espirito Santo’s preferred three man backline would be ideal for the veteran. The presence of players like Conor Coady and Willy Boly alongside him would mean that his lack of pace wouldn’t be readily exposed, while his leadership would bring out the best in both of those men.
Having a wing back flanking him, too, would enable Pepe to go about his business knowing that someone with legs can cover him if an attacker does get in behind.
The former Real Madrid ace would only cost the club in wages, and he would bring a phenomenal winning mentality to Molineux. He won everything in the game in the Spanish capital, and having someone of that ilk in old gold would be tremendously valuable.
We saw several years ago that age is no barrier to success when a world class player comes to the Premier League. Esteban Cambiasso was thought to be on the decline when he rocked up at Leicester City in 2014, but he went on to enjoy a tremendous season at the King Power Stadium.
Wolves are known to be interested in Pepe, they were linked with him by Turkish outlet Fanatik in the summer, and with the club’s links to Mendes it seems inevitable that the centre half will join Nuno’s side.
His singing would be no publicity stunt. He would provide instant leadership, defensive nous and experience to this Wolves backline, and Nuno could do a lot worse than bringing him in.