Wolves

Wolves

Premier League • England

Matheus Nunes: Wolves announce club-record transfer with ringing endorsement from Guardiola

Matheus-Nunes Portugal June 2022

Wolves have announced the signing of “one of the best players in the world” in Matheus Nunes from Sporting Lisbon for a club-record fee.

The Molineux men have agreed to pay Sporting an initial £38m for the 23-year-old, with a further £4.2m in potential add-ons. That eclipses the £35m Wolves paid Porto for Fabio Silva – now on loan at Anderlecht – in 2020.

And the deal will see the rest of the Premier League take note, including Man City boss Pep Guardiola.

The Spaniard is a huge admirer and City were linked with the player earlier this summer.

Whether City officials made a move for the exciting midfielder is unclear, but Guardiola is a fan. After watching his City side dismantle Sporting 5-0 in February, Guardiola was most glowing in his praise for Nunes.

“I would say that Matheus Nunes is one of the best players in the world today,” Guardiola said.

So with that sort of endorsement, Nunes looks a real coup.

He arrives on a five-year deal with a one-year option after two-and-a-half seasons with Sporting.

Wolves chairman Jeff Shi said on the club’s official website: “We are very happy to welcome Matheus to Wolverhampton and delighted to add another exciting young talent to Bruno’s (Lage) squad.

“Matheus has had two excellent seasons at the top level in Portugal with Sporting and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in world football, so we are thrilled that he has chosen the Premier League and Wolves as the next step in what we hope will be a fantastic career.”

Matheus Nunes: It’s the right next step

Nunes will join up with the squad ahead of Saturday’s away date with Tottenham

Nunes said: “I’m very excited. For me, I could play tomorrow already, but I can’t because the game is Saturday, but I’m looking forward to it.

“I think the club itself (convinced him) and also I spoke to some of my team-mates because I play with them for the national team.

“The coach as well, he really wanted me and I wanted to play in the Premier League. I think it’s the right next step for me and I’m very happy to be here.”

The Brazil-born player made his Portugal debut last year and has won eight caps in total, scoring one goal.

He becomes Wolves’ third signing of the summer following deals for Portugal forward Goncalo Guedes and Republic of Ireland defender Nathan Collins.