The transfer rumours linking Rui Patricio with a move to Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma (Calciomercato)have been getting more traction over recent days with his contract situation remaining uncertain.
The Euro 2016 winner with Portugal has yet to sign a new deal since initially joining the club in 2018 following the club’s promotion to the Premier League. Given his age also, the asking price seems to be worryingly low with some reports stating it may just take £8 million for Wolves to part with him.
Since arriving, Patricio has consistently shown his class and has reminded many why he has so often been in the conversation amongst Europe’s best goalkeepers.
Therefore, it would leave a big void in Wolves’ defence and it would become an absolute priority to replace him this summer. Here are five contenders who could be realistic replacements.
1| Rui Silva – Granada
From one Rui to another… Silva, who plays for Granada in La Liga, has experienced a similar rise to that of Wolves in recent years, going from the second tier of Spanish football to Europa League quarter finals in just three seasons. A regular in the Portugal squad, he is yet to make his bow, but at 27 years of age he is likely to improve. Bolstering the same agent as Trincao, a player the club have formerly been linked with, the move seems fairly feasible.
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2 | Dominic Livakovic – Dinamo Zagreb
He may a relative unknown on this list due to playing all the way out in Croatia but do not let that deceive you. Over the past three years Livakovic has cemented his position as his country’s number one goalkeeper whilst also performing heroically in the club’s shock victory over Tottenham Hotspur. The timing is right for him to move to a top five league, having previously been linked with Manchester United and AC Milan.
3 | Luis Maximiano – Sporting Lisbon
Why change a winning formula? Wolves may be tempted to return to Sporting Lisbon in their goalkeeper search. Aged just 21, Maximiano would certainly fit the club’s transfer policy of signing young players with huge potential being a key part of the club’s Liga Nos title victory. It would pose a risk as Wolves would be trading experience out of their squad in an already inexperienced line up. Also, with the animosity following their signing of Patricio back in 2018 this one may be the most unlikely.
4 | Pau Lopez – AS Roma
Would a goalkeeper exchange be on the cards? It appears Mourinho is not keen on retaining Lopez. The 25-year-old goalkeeper arrived in the Italian capital to much fanfare in 2019 after impressing with Real Betis in his native Spain. He has failed to impress at Roma though, only regaining his starting spot due to injury this season before suffering an injury himself ruling him out. Demonstrated by two international appearances, Lopez has clear ability and Wolves may be tempted to take a gamble on him in what would be an easier transfer to facilitate.
5 | Alphone Arreola – Fulham (on loan from Paris Saint-Germain)
The only man on this list with Premier League playing experience, Arreola has been a rare positive in Fulham’s disappointing season culminating in relegation. With vast levels of playing experience at PSG and Real Madrid, Arreola could be the perfect option for Nuno looking forwards. No longer a part of PSG’s plans, it will be interesting to see whether they would look to sell or loan him out.