Wolves were linked with two Portuguese centre-backs this summer – but landed Roderick Miranda while Fabio Cardoso joined Rangers.
Four games is far too early to proclaim a summer signing as a flop and an undeniable waste of funds. Yet, it’s fair to say Roderick Miranda has done little so far to prove he was worth the £2.5 million Wolves paid Rio Ave for his signature, as reported by The Sun.
The 26-year-old enjoyed a decent debut in the 1-0 opening day victory over Middlesbrough but was subjected to heavy criticism from some supporters on social media after a shaky display in the weekend’s defeat to Cardiff City.
Adapting to the rough and tumble of the Championship after spending your entire career in Portugal is far from easy though it’s difficult to shake the feeling that Miranda looks clumsy and sluggish with a penchant for poor decision making.
All the while, the man Wolves could have signed instead showcases the potential that attracted the club to him in the first place.
According to the Daily Record, Wolves were closing in on the signing of Vitoria Setubal centre-back Fabio Cardoso. The fact that his agent, Jorge Mendes, plays such an influential role in recruitment at Molineux looked to have given them a crucial edge.
In the end, however, Rangers got their man instead and the former Portugal youth international has been superb so far – barring one or two nervy jitters.
Though it’s difficult to compare the English second tier to the Scottish first, the early signs are that the Cardoso is far better suited to the British game than Miranda.
Add into the mix that he cost around half the price and you wonder whether Wolves have made a rare mistake in an otherwise positive transfer window.
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