Reports this morning have suggested that Wolves have had a £5 million bid accepted for current Monaco and Portugal midfielder Joao Moutinho. It is believed that the 31-year old has agreed a two-year-deal at the club, trading in the sunshine and glam of Monaco to move to the Black Country.
Having won 113 caps for Portugal, 4 League titles, 1 Europa League and 3 Domestic Cups throughout his career, Moutinho will provide some much needed experience to a relatively young Wolves squad. His signing may be most beneficial to his new midfield partner Ruben Neves. The former Porto man impressed in his first season in England at Championship level and now all eyes will be watching to see if the 21-year-old can make the step up and perform in the Premier League. Having a man as experienced and talented as Moutinho next to him will help take away some of that pressure and likely assist the youngster in his development as a Premier League player.
If the deal goes through the signing would be a real coup for Wolves, with Moutinho becoming the 6th signing of the window so far. After the signing of fellow Portuguese star Rui Patricio, 90MAAT cannot forget to mention the man who is making this all possible for Wolves; Jorge Mendes.
The ‘Super-Agent’ has strong ties to the club and has orchestrated deals for a number of Portuguese players. Diogo Jota, Rúben Neves and Rui Patrício are just a few of the players who have all been enticed to join former Porto Manager Nuno Espirito Santo by Mendes. If rumours are correct, Wolves are also interested in Portuguese internationals Joao Mario and Andre Silva. If they wish to bring either player in before the end of the transfer window they may need to utilise the influence and power of Jorge Mendes once again.
With Mendes ties to the club so strong, the future looks bright for Wolves. Premier League safety has to be the number one target this season, but if they continue to add quality acquisitions then there’s no reason why they can’t be pushing for a top-half finish and that will certainly be the target.
