Transfer News

Wolves reportedly keen on midfielder Oliveira

It’s no secret that Wolves could do with a central midfielder before the transfer window closes.

Bruno Lage goes into today’s opening game of the season against Leicester lacking variety and energy in his engine room.

But reports from Portugal claim that he has turned his attention to Porto midfielder Sergio Oliveira.

Jornal de Notícias claim that the Portugal international is on Wolves’ radar and explains why Lage spurned the chance to sign his Porto teammate Vitinha.

Spain v Portugal - 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Semi-finals
Photo by Damjan Zibert – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

They say that Lage detected early on in this transfer window that he needs a central midfielder with more experience.

Oliveira has that; he’s 29, has 13 caps for Portugal and has played in the Champions League.

Not only has he played in it, he shone in last season’s competition, producing a masterclass against Juventus to knock them out on their own patch.

After that game, we wrote that Oliveira should be of interest to Wolves this summer and it seems like he is.

Juventus v FC Porto  - UEFA Champions League Round Of 16 Leg Two
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images

Oliveira is a two-time Primeira Liga winner, brings goals and assists to the table and has also worn the captain’s armband on occasion for Porto.

The report claims Wolves can afford to make an offer of 20 million euros (£17 million) for the midfielder.

We’ll see if that materialises after a tricky and frustrating window but Oliveira would be a signing of great pedigree.

He’d also be a signing for the here and now rather than one of potential, which could be exactly what Wolves need.