Pedro Lima’s loan move to Porto was the biggest new transfer story out of Wolves on deadline day.
That in itself is a pretty depressing statement, but it’s how Monday went.
Tolu Arokodare’s announcement came in the afternoon, but that deal was already agreed before the final day of the window.
With little else to discuss, Wolves’ loan agreement with Porto for Pedro Lima has been in the spotlight, and one detail that has emerged is cause for concern.
Pedro Lima will initially play for Porto’s B team
At 19, Lima is still quite raw and sending him out on loan seems a sound decision at first glance.
Fans have questioned the need for Lima’s move, but the idea that he would be getting the chance to develop his game at a competitive level would make it acceptable for the majority.
But a report from ESPN in Brazil hints at a different outcome.
The article states: “The agreement (valid for one season) between the Portuguese and English does not include a purchase option, and initially the young right-back will train with the A team and play for the B team.
Wolves electing to loan the Brazilian would make sense if he was going to be playing senior minutes, but to essentially send him out to another academy is a head-scratcher of a decision.
Wolves don’t have room for Pedro Lima but a better loan destination could have been identified
There’s no denying Lima would have struggled for minutes at Wolves this season.
The signing of Jackson Tchatchoua looks a good one, and he should be first choice presuming he can adjust quickly to the Premier League.
Behind him, the injured Ki-Jana Hoever has been trusted by Pereira, and Rodrigo Gomes is another solid option who has started the season well.
There’s no issue with sending a young player on loan, but if he returns in a year’s time without any significant senior experience, it would call into question the competency of whoever arranged the move.