Diogo Jota, Ruben Neves and manager Nuno Espirito Santo have transformed Wolves since moving from Portugal to Molineux.
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ success so far this season can perhaps be attributed best to the excellent way in which they utilised their Portuguese connections this summer.
With super-agent Jorge Mendes a close confidante of Wolves’ Chinese owners, no fewer than four players who played in the Iberian nation last season made the move to Molineux before the start of this season – not including the manager, and Mendes’ first ever client, Nuno Espirito Santo.
And if Wolves plan on scouring the Primeira Liga again in January to further enhance a squad that already looks capable of competing in the English top flight, Oghenekaro Etebo should be fairly high on the promotion favourite’s radar.
The 21-year-old is arguably the most exciting midfield talent to emerge from African football in recent seasons, top scoring as Nigeria won the Under-23 African Cup of Nations in 2015 a year before starring at the Rio Olympics, netting four in a group-stage clash with Japan.
And Etebo has earned rave reviews since jumping on that Portuguese stepping stone in 2016, joining Feirense from Nigerian first division side Warri Wolves.
Likened to Paul Pogba (Turkish Football), Etebo is understandably a player in demand. Own Goal Nigeria reported earlier in the year that Etebo was on Newcastle United’s radar while he has also been linked with West Brom.
Though Wolves have shown this year alone that they can beat off competition from more established, top flight clubs for some of Portugal’s most exciting young talents. With interest in Etebo likely to intensify, Wolves should perhaps challenge Mendes to work his magic again.
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