Anderson Talisca is putting up some staggering numbers in China.
Wolverhampton Wanderers didn’t quite have a the free-spending summer window that many expected, but some calculated additions from Nuno Espirito Santo have really boosted their squad.
Rui Patricio, Leander Dendoncker, Jonny, Joao Moutinho, Adama Traore and Raul Jimenez all arrived, whilst permanent deals were secured for loanees Willy Boly, Ruben Vinagre, Leo Bonatini and Diogo Jota in smart moves.
Wolves were also linked with a whole host of others players over the summer, and one of those was Brazilian playmaker Anderson Talisca, then of Benfica.
The Sun reported that Wolves were nearing a £20million deal for Talisca as super-agent Jorge Mendes attempted to lure him to Molineux, but no deal was done, even with continuous links right up until his shock move to China.
Talisca, fresh off a two-year loan deal with Besiktas, chose to join Guangzhou Evergrande on loan over the summer, and that deal has just been made permanent after a stunning start to life with the club.
The lanky, skilful attacker boasts a frankly ridiculous record of 16 goals and four assists in just 18 games, grabbing another goal and assist in Sunday’s 5-1 thrashing of Tianjin Teda.
Talisca deserves great praise for his displays, but it all seems like a missed opportunity. Such a talented player is deciding to play some of his best years in China, instead of being in the Premier League with Wolves, where he could have been a sensation if his form with Guangzhou is anything to go by.
Wolves should certainly keep Talisca on their radar for the future, as Mendes may well be able to help secure a deal somewhere down the line, but him not moving to Molineux should feel like a missed opportunity for all involved.
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