Wolves could offer Sergio Oliveira a fresh start in the Premier League after Roma opted not to trigger the £11 million clause in the Porto loanee’s contract, as reported by Jornal de Noticias.
Earlier this week, Jose Mourinho – still basking in the glory of his fifth European title – spoke in glowing terms about the impact Oliveira had made after moving to the Italian capital in the January transfer window.
“He is a champion,” says Mourinho, seven days after Roma battened down the hatches and rode out a Feyenoord storm to claim the inaugural UEFA Conference League trophy.
“He knows how to win and he knows how to be a leader, and an excellent teammate. I think he has been a fundamental element in our season.”
Oliveira certainly played his part as Roma marked Mourinho’s debut campaign at the Stadio Olimpico with a European title and Europa League qualification. The Portugal international started in both the final and the semi-final victory over Leicester City, as well as playing 14 times in Serie A.
That did not stop Mourinho from opting against triggering the £11 million purchase clause in Oliveira’s contract, however. Portuguese publication Jordal de Noticias believe that the late-blooming midfielder will be on the move again this summer with Wolves joining Valencia and Napoli in the race for his signature.
Could Wolves land Sergio Oliveira after Roma snub?
A return to Porto feels unlikely. Sergio Conceicao’s all-conquering side didn’t exactly miss him, storming to the Primeira Liga title in Oliveira’s absence.
Oliveira, a powerhouse of a footballer who scored 20 goals from midfield in 2020/21, is a player Wolves boss Bruno Lage will know well from his time in the Benfica hotseat. The Black Country outfit were reportedly willing to pay £17 million for Oliveira 12 months ago, after Lage replaced Nuno Espirito Santo at Molineux, but a player represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes was not convinced by their proposal at the time.
Napoli offering Champions League football these days. So it seems unlikely that Wolves will be Oliveira’s dream destination this year either. Especially after a dismal end to Lage’s debut season in charge.
Wolves are also in talks with Vitoria Guimaraes’ Andre Almeida. Joao Palhinha and Matheus Nunes are also on the club’s radar.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
