Wolverhampton Wanderers have been linked with a move for Joao Palhinha this summer and were reportedly closing in on a deal after reaching an agreement with Sporting CP, but their president Frederico Varandas has played down such talk and denied any agreement between the two clubs.
Varandas told Canal 11 via Sportsmole: “This is completely false. Nothing. One talks, but let me finish and say that a lot of the investment made in the academy was to retain this talent.”
Reports suggested Wolves were negotiating a deal with Sporting two weeks ago and reached an agreement days ago, but Varandas has made it clear that he’d prefer to keep the 24-year-old.
Wolves have Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho, Romain Saiss and Leander Dendoncker but are looking for another midfielder to accompany the quartet.
Palhinha joined Sporting from Sacavenense in 2013 and rose through the youth ranks to the first-team in 2016. He’s gone on to make 18 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals.
The central midfielder struggled for playing time and was loaned out to SC Braga in 2018. He’s made 67 appearances for the Portuguese outfit, scoring six goals and making three assists, so his future back at his parent club is uncertain.
Varandas’ comments don’t match up with his actions as Palhinha hasn’t featured for Sporting since April 2018, so he may be on his way out in the coming months regardless.
