Wolves have seen several talented players slip through the net at Molineux and PSG midfielder Vitinha is near the top of that list.
Vitinha spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan at Wolves, playing under Nuno Espirito Santo during his final campaign at Molineux.
The Portuguese midfielder made 19 appearances in the Premier League, and although his performances weren’t that impressive, his potential was clear and he was available for just £17m in the summer.
Sadly, incoming manager Bruno Lage rejected the chance to sign Vitinha for a bargain price and he’s now made to watch him flourish on the European stage.
Vitinha was nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 2024, inarguably the most prestigious individual award any footballer can win.
It was claimed by Manchester City’s Rodri, who enjoyed a stellar campaign for club and country, but the 25-year-old being nominated just demonstrated how far he’s come.
Vitinha scores in PSG’s 7-0 thrashing of Brest in Champions League
Only a year after Wolves rejected the chance to sign the fleet-footed midfielder from Porto, PSG snapped him up for £34 million.
Vitinha is now part of a star-studded lineup featuring former Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele, exciting Georgian star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and many others.
But despite playing with several world-class teammates, his contributions this term haven’t been overshadowed, scoring twice in the Champions League.
In the knockout phase play-offs, PSG came up against fellow Ligue 1 side Brest, and they thrashed them 10-0 on aggregate.
On Wednesday night, the French giants clinched a 7-0 victory at the Parc des Princes and Vitinha got his name on the scoresheet with a fine finish from outside the box.
It serves as a reminder that, while Wolves are battling relegation, a player they rejected the opportunity to sign is becoming a quality talent on the biggest stage in European football.
What Vitinha said after leaving Wolves
Although fans only saw Vitinha don the Wolves jersey 22 times during his one season at the club, the Portuguese midfielder claimed he ‘grew up a lot’ and it helped him get where he is today.
“I didn’t leave my mark. I played little with Wolves, so we can say that, but I think it was very good,” Vitinha told RMC Sport.
“It brought me things that I probably wouldn’t have had if I hadn’t gone there. I grew up a lot, including off the pitch, on the things I had to learn, on what it’s like to be in a club, outside your country, outside your comfort zone.
“If I could go back, I wouldn’t change anything. Because that’s what made me come here, and have a much bigger background.”
From his thunderous strike in the FA Cup against Chorley with Wolves to becoming one of the best midfielders in the world, Vitinha’s career has skyrocketed in the space of four years.