Sheffield Wednesday are close to concluding only their second piece of business this summer.
Sheffield Wednesday’s centre-back search is about to bear fruit, after Vitoria Setubal confirmed via their official website that captain Frederico Venancio is signing for the Owls.
According to the Liga NOS outfit, Venancio will move to Hillsborough on an initial season-loan deal, although Wednesday have yet to make an announcement themselves.
Vitoria Setubal defender Frederico Venancio
The 24-year-old’s contract had been due to expire at the end of this season, but it has since been extended until 2020 ahead of his temporary exit.
Nevertheless, Vitoria claim that Wednesday will have the option to turn the deal permanent should they wish to next summer.
“I thank the leaders of Vitoria FC for having understood how important it was for me to embrace this new challenge,” Venancio said. “Vitoria is in my heart, it’s part of me. So I did not hesitate to renew my contract for another three years.
“I’m going to England, but I’m going to have the club and my teammates always in my thoughts.”
Earlier this year, The Sun reported that Venancio had turned down a move to Greek champions Olympiakos in January, in the hope of continuing his career in England instead.
And he looks set to get his wish with Wednesday, having previously been linked with moves to three of the Owls’ Championship rivals – Leeds United, Derby County and Reading.
The Vitoria product has played 134 times for the club in total and is a former Portugal Under-21 international.
Sheffield Wednesday’s Portuguese head coach Carlos Carvalhal
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
