Journalist Dean Jones has claimed that Wolves will want someone like Joao Palhinha and Matheus Nunes to replace Ruben Neves this summer.
After suffering a medial collateral ligament injury to his right knee recently – which could end his season – Neves may have played his last game at Molineux. Indeed, Neves has been heavily linked with a move away in the upcoming transfer market, with Arsenal reportedly very keen on signing the midfielder.
Will Ruben Neves be at Wolves by the end of the summer window?
No
Yes
With that in mind, Bruno Lage may already be lining up a replacement option if the 25-year-old does end up in the departure lounge. Backing this theory up, Jones has actually claimed that the aforementioned Sporting duo may be being identified in case the situation occurs amid links to Palhinha and Nunes.
He told GiveMeSport: “I think that’s why Wolves are identifying these guys [Palhinha and Nunes].
“There’s obviously the potential of losing some of their bigger names in the next transfer window, too.”
TIF Thoughts on Palhinha, Nunes and Wolves…
Interestingly enough, The Athletic reports that Wolves may well lose Joao Moutinho in the summer, too – meaning the club’s midfield could look very different next season if Neves is also allowed an exit.
This is probably why the club are thought to be identifying multiple options, instead of just one. Both players could also come in and do well if the past is anything to go by.
Indeed, Palhinha is already a proven international, playing 12 times for Portugal, and has won numerous trophies with Sporting in his time there. The same can essentially be said about Nunes, who has won just one fewer trophy than his teammate and has five caps for his nation.
Considering the club have had so much success taking Portuguese players and bringing them to the Premier League, it makes perfect sense that these two are being identified by the club as possible replacements for two of their current stars.
It will be interesting to see what this summer holds for Lage and co.
In other news: Unreal: Wolves supporters will be purring as footage of 19 y/o emerges – opinion