Wolves fashion clever loan deal as Portuguese giants win battle for outcast

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Multiple reports claim Sporting are close to signing Wolves wing-back Ruben Vinagre on loan with an option to buy next summer.

The 22-year-old has been at Molineux since the summer of 2017, spending the first season on loan before penning permanent terms. The former Portugal Under-20 ace enjoyed 17 Premier League appearances in 2018-19 and 15 the following campaign. However, he was sent out on loan to Greek club Olympiacos in 2020-2021 after falling down the pecking order.

That did not work out and he spent the second half of last season with Portuguese top-flight outfit Famalicao. It turned out to be a positive move, with the youngster enjoying 20 starts for the Primeira Liga side.

He has now returned to the West Midlands but is unlikely to play under Bruno Lage. A move back to his homeland has been mooted, as Portuguese paper Record (via Sport Witness) splashed his ‘agreement’ with Sporting on their front page.

The report adds that Verde e brancos will struggle to pay a transfer fee and are looking for a loan deal. He has at times been valued at around €20m but another report claims he will be sold for half that amount.

Radio Renascenca have had their say on Vinagre’s situation and claim the deal will be completed sooner rather than later. They also suggest that the former Monaco youth star will sign a one-year loan deal.

That will include an option to purchase outright for around €10m.

Wolves protecting themselves over Vinagre deal

Vinagre inked a five-year deal in the summer of 2018 and everything appeared rosy for a stellar Wolves career. However, Nuno Espirito Santo rarely handed him a start, with just 13 across his two full Premier League seasons with the club.

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The acquisition of Spain full-back Jonny hampered his progress in the Black Country. The 27-year-old arrived in the summer of 2018 and has been a regular ever since.

Ironically, he missed most of last season due to injury but Vinagre’s loan meant he could not deputise. Other clubs including Benfica were also said to hold an interest in the defender and it was thought they were at the front of the queue.

Jonny TEAMtalk

But Radio Renascenca say only ‘details’ are left to sort out before he joins Sporting. And if the purchase clause is triggered next year, Wolves will reportedly keep a percentage of any future move.

READ MORE: Wolves set to land former loan star with unique deal and price revealed