Wolves have been linked to Besiktas forward Rafa Silva in the January transfer window.
Wolves are eager to recruit in the January transfer window in an array of positions, including the front line.
Vitor Pereira has demanded additional signings following his first capture of Emmanuel Agbadou.
Kevin Danso is high on Wolves’ transfer list but, the RC Lens defender isn’t the only one, with links to former Bruno Lage target Rafa Silva returning.
As the transfer window heats up and speculation grows, here’s everything you need to know about Wolves target Rafa.
How old is Rafa Silva?
Rafa was born May 17th 1993, making him 31 years old at the time of writing.
The attacker’s home town is Forte da Casa in Portugal and started his road to professional football at UA Povoense Formacao.
What position does Rafa Silva play?
The Wolves target is an attractive player to eye due to his versatility going forward.
| Position | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| Left Winger | 144 | 30 | 21 |
| Attacking Midfield | 82 | 28 | 24 |
| Second Striker | 81 | 29 | 13 |
| Right Winger | 59 | 15 | 23 |
| Left Midfield | 46 | 21 | 4 |
| Right Midfield | 42 | 7 | 11 |
| Centre-Forward | 8 | 4 | 3 |
| Left-Back | 1 | 1 | 0 |
As seen above, Rafa can play in almost all areas of the front line but is most prominent on the left wing – which is by no means where he is restricted to.
What clubs has Rafa Silva played for?
At senior level, Rafa has represented four clubs, playing his entire career in Portugal before making the move to Turkey in 2024.
Feirense, SC Braga, Benfica and Besiktas are the clubs that Rafa has represented, spending the most time at Benfica, whom he made 326 appearances for in eight years.
Has Rafa Silva played for Portugal?
Rafa made his debut for the Portugal national team in 2015 and earned 25 caps for his country but, failed to score.
Most notably, the forward won Euro 2016 with Portugal but only managed to make a single appearance at the tournament.
When Rafa Silva outperformed Jude Bellingham
Judging by Rafa’s remarkable 2023/24 season, it’s no wonder that the Old Gold are eyeing his services.
The Portuguese was one of the top-performing players in Europe’s top 10 leagues, outperforming some huge names, including Stourbridge-born Jude Bellingham.
Bellingham recorded 25 goal contributions in La Liga for Real Madrid last term, a tally that Rafa eclipsed by one, totalling 26 goal contributions in only 30 Liga Portugal appearances for Benfica.
Rafa Silva to Wolves transfer
Wolves were linked to Rafa back in 2022 when Lage was in charge however, never signed the forward from Benfica.
Now at Besiktas, interest has reportedly returned, with it reported that Wolves are eyeing a transfer for Rafa, who left Benfica in the summer.
Given that the player moved clubs so recently, it remains to be seen whether the Old Gold can strike a deal for the electrifying attacker, who could hand Pereira a fresh outlet going forward.