Transfer Centre

Wolverhampton Wanderers 'closing in on Matheus Nunes signing'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 15 August 2022

Wolves 'closing in on Matheus Nunes signing'

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly closing in on the signing of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes in a club-record deal.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly made the breakthrough in their pursuit of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes.

Throughout the summer transfer window, the West Midlands outfit have been heavily linked with the highly-regarded Portugal international.

On numerous occasions, however, it has been suggested that the 23-year-old was less than enthusiastic about making the switch to a club who are not participating in Europe.

At a time when Chelsea and Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in the player, Wolves have appeared to be no more than outsiders for his signature.

However, as first reported by Record, the two clubs have reached an agreement over a proposal which could be worth €50m (£42.2m) including add-ons.

Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Bruno Lage on August 6, 2022 © Reuters

The report claims that Wolves have committed to paying an initial €45m (£37.93m) with a further €5m (£4.2m) coming in add-ons.

Furthermore, it is alleged that Nunes has already given the green light to a switch to Molineux, agreeing to play under Portuguese compatriot Bruno Lage.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano adds that Wolves officials hope to finalise a deal later this week for what would be a club-record fee.

Nunes has featured in Sporting's opening two fixtures in Primeira Liga this season, contributing a goal and assist in outings against Braga and Rio Ave.

Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes tackling Benfica forward Darwin Nunez in April 2022. © Reuters

In total, Nunes has scored eight goals and provided nine assists from 101 appearances in all competitions, helping Sporting win the top-flight title during 2020-21.

As it stands, it is unclear whether Wolves will be able to finalise a transfer before Saturday's Premier League fixture at Tottenham Hotspur.

However, Lage will want to have Nunes available as soon as possible with Wolves having collected just one point from their opening double-header with Leeds United and Fulham.

There was a suggestion earlier this summer that Nunes would act as a direct replacement for compatriot Ruben Neves, who has been heavily linked with a big-money move elsewhere.

As it stands, Wolves intend to try to tie down Neves to a new contract with Nunes seemingly in line to partner the club legend in central midfield.