Wolverhampton manager Nuno Espirito Santo loves his countrymen. This summer, Rui Patricio joined Diogo Jota, Ruben Neves, Ivan Cavaleiro, Helder Costa, Ruben Vinagre and Pedro Goncalves as the seventh Portuguese on the Wolves’ roster. By the looks of it, Espirito Santo is not done yet.
Joao Moutinho to Wolverhampton Wanderers
According to the Daily Mirror, the experienced Joao Moutinho is set to become the eighth member of Portugal’s contingent in Wolverhampton. The 31-year-old has been with the French side, Monaco since 2013 with his playing time steadily diminishing over the past couple of seasons. The proposed transfer is thought to be around the €6 million range.
With 113 appearances, Moutinho is Portugal’s third most capped player in national team history. His vast international experience would serve the newly-promoted Wolves very well in the quest to make their presence felt in the first season back in England’s top tier.
Wolverhampton’s campaign kicks off on 11th August against Everton at the Molineux Stadium.
Wolverhampton back to the Premier League
Nuno Espirito Santo managed Rio Ave, Valencia and Porto before being hired by Wolverhampton’s new Chinese ownership last June. He was given enough funds to revamp the squad, which he did. The acquisitions of 21-year-old Ruben Neves from Porto and 21-year-old Diogo Jota from Atletico Madrid were of particular importance, as they were the players who carried this team to the Championship title.
The Wolves finished first with 99 points, 9 ahead of second-placed Cardiff. They had the league’s best attack (82 goals) and the league’s best defence (39 goals conceded – tied with Cardiff). Diogo Jota was the team’s top goalscorer, finding the net 17 times. Himself and teammates will take their talents to the Premier League, a place where Wolverhampton hasn’t been in six years.
