The Sheffield Wednesday head coach is familiar with the Fulham forward.
Fulham’s capture of Rui Fonte has come as some surprise to Sheffield Wednesday head coach Carlos Carvalhal.
Fonte signed a three-year deal with Wednesday’s weekend opponents on Thursday, having scored two goals in four appearances for the Portuguese side this season.
As it transpires, the 27-year-old is a player who was previously discussed by Carvalhal – a former Braga player and manager.
New Fulham recruit Rui Fonte
“I know the player, of course,” he told BBC Radio Sheffield. “Braga is my city. He is the captain of the team. He is a very good player. He is a very good striker. He is the brother of (West Ham’s) Jose Fonte.
“It is a little strange to me because the chairman of Braga (Antonio Salvador) told me: ‘I can sell all the players but never Rui Fonte,’ and now they sell Rui Fonte.
“It is a good investment (for) Fulham. They have (signed) a quality player.”
Carvalhal has previously used his Braga ties to sign Vincent Sasso (now a Belenenses player), although it is unclear if Fonte or any of his ex-teammates were ever serious targets for the 51-year-old.
And Wednesday have also raided Liga NOS this week, taking Vitoria Setubal centre-back Frederico Venancio on an initial year-long loan deal.
New Owls recruit Frederico Venancio
Both the Owls and Cottagers were beaten in last season’s play-off semi finals, having finished in fourth and sixth place respectively.
Is Fonte a good buy for Fulham?
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