Matheus Nunes is officially a Wolves player, much to the disappointment of many Liverpool supporters.
Signed from Sporting Lisbon in a deal which could rise to £42.2million, Bruno Lage's side have completed a statement signing which has the potential to transform their Premier League season.
Liverpool were among other sides such as West Ham to be linked with the 23-year-old, who was part of the Sporting side to win the league title with only one defeat over 34 games during the 2020/21 season. Jurgen Klopp has maintained his stance of only targeting the 'right midfielde r' during the transfer window and are not prepared to compromise their strategy despite mounting injuries in this department.
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It is Wolves who have won the race to recruit Nunes, with a number of factors supporting the West Midlands club in their pursuit of the sought-after midfielder. Lage is said to have lead the charge of targeting the Portugal international and held 'extensive talks' with the player over the club's plans and where he would fit within the team.
Lage previously worked in his home country as a youth coach at Benfica, as well as later managing the first-team, and played a role in developing the likes of Ruben Dias and Joao Felix. This is something Nunes was aware of, according to the Telegraph, and may well have provided reassurance ahead of his move to Molineux.
Nunes is represented by Portuguese agent Jorge Mendes, who was implemented as an advisor for Wolves following the takeover of the club by Fosun International in 2016. Mendes' close links to the clubs have been clear to see in recent years following the signings of other clients of his such as Joao Moutinho, Rui Patricio and Ruben Neves but it is Lage's personal approach which is said to have 'proved pivotal' in this impressive capture.
Pep Guardiola has spoken openly of his admiration for the Portuguese, even going so far as to label him as "one of the best players in the world".
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