Wolves transfer news: Fabio Silva admits 'he didn't meet expectations' in classy statement ahead of Borussia Dortmund transfer

Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Fabio Silva has acknowledged that 'he did not meet expectations' as he prepares to sign for Borussia Dortmund.

Back in 2020, Wolves made the eye-catching addition of a teenage Silva for £35m, despite his lack of first-team experience at Porto.

However, despite being dubbed as one of the top prospects in world football at the time, Silva contributed just five goals and six assists during his 72 appearances at Molineux.

Silva's development was arguably not helped by being thrust into the team in the aftermath of Raul Jimenez's sickening head injury three months after his arrival, but he managed to kick-start his career through a series of loans.

A total of 32 goals and nine assists for Anderlecht, PSV Eindhoven, Rangers and Las Palmas have led to Dortmund negotiated a deal just short of £23m with Wolves.

Fabio Silva on Instagram —
“Now it’s time for a new chapter, but I wont forget where I’ve been. I’ll always be another supporter of this club”

Best of luck, Fabio ? #WWFC | #Wolves pic.twitter.com/irlMZxhL69

— Talking Wolves (@TalkingWolves) August 29, 2025

Silva praises Wolves, fans for support

On Instagram, Silva - now 23 years of age - admitted that he had fallen short of what was expected of him when making the switch to the West Midlands.

There have been times when the Portuguese has received criticism from the fanbase, it known that he was keen to move on from life in Wolverhampton.

That was confirmed by current head coach Vitor Pereira at a press conference on Friday, Silva not playing any pre-season minutes in the summer.

Nevertheless, Silva has signed off from life at Wolves with a classy statement ahead of his transfer to the Westfalenstadion.

Silva is unlikely to come into contention for Dortmund until after the September international break, his debut potentially coming against Heidenheim on September 13.

© Imago

How will Wolves use transfer funds?

Although Silva was never viewed as second choice to Jorgen Strand Larsen, it appears that the transfer fee generated will be used to sign Genk striker Tolu Arokodare.

Reports have also suggested that a central midfielder remains on Pereira's radar, two players specifically at the top of their shortlist.