Wolverhampton Wanderers will start their Europa League group stage campaign against Braga on Thursday.
The report stated that Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were joined by Leeds United, Leicester City and Watford in pursuit of the 24-year-old central defender but a deal failed to materialise. Instead, Wolves acquired Jesus Vallejo from Real Madrid on loan and the Spaniard was their only defensive signing in the summer window.
With Viana staying at Braga, signing him either in January or next summer could still be an option for a number of the interested sides. However, Wolves will definitely have the edge as they are likely to watch him first hand in their Europa League group stage clash against Braga on Thursday.
Braga, like Wolves, have had a shocking start to their league campaign. The Portuguese outfit, who finished fourth in Liga Nos last season, are stuck in 16th in the league table. Viana started all but one of their opening five league games and has failed to keep a single clean sheet so far.
His performances so far make it seem like Wolves dodged a bullet this summer but that opinion could quickly change if he comes up with the goods at Molineux tomorrow. Nuno’s side are yet to win a single game so far in the league but did well to get past Torino in the qualifying rounds.
A win against Braga will be a major confidence boost but Viana could have a huge say in denying the likes of Raul Jimenez and co.
A positive performance tomorrow night could be enough to convince Nuno that he’s worth the big bucks and that could potentially see him make the switch to the Premier League in the very near future.
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