Wolves journalist Joe Edwards doesn’t see any reason why Wolves’ first-choice goalkeeper Rui Patricio would be in a position to leave the club this summer.
The 33-year-old, valued at £9m on Transfermarkt, is entering into the last 18 months of his contract, meaning that this summer is a crucial one for him and the club, as they could potentially look to sell him on before risking losing him on a free transfer further down the road.
Patricio has been the club’s established No 1 since he joined the club in the summer of 2018, but that doesn’t mean that club might not be looking at alternative options for the future. And speaking on the E&S Wolves podcast when answering a fan’s question about whether or not he could be replaced, Edwards was quick to reassure fans that he didn’t think there was any chance him leaving would be a possibility:
“I don’t think he’ll leave in the summer. I think if he’s happy – and I think by all accounts, he seems to be happy and Wolves are happy with him – yeah, I don’t think there’s any need to go into that market. I don’t envisage that.”
Do you think Rui Patricio is one of the three best goalkeepers in the Premier League?
No, he's not that good
Yes, he's a quality player
TIF Thoughts on Joe Edwards’ comments about Rui Patricio…
At 33, Patricio does still have some years left in his prime as a goalkeeper, unlike an outfield player where this might be the time to start thinking about a long-term replacement. But at the same time, the club does need to show what their intentions are with him and the role.
If the club do think that he is there for the long run, as Edwards seems to indicate they are, they should make that clear. Otherwise, there might be some clubs that are willing to call their bluff in the summer and end up turning his head with offers elsewhere.
In other news: ‘Not looking good for him’ – Journalist drops big claim on £18m-rated Wolves ace