It’s never surprising to check the Portuguese press and find out that local clubs are involved in new controversies. Especially when it’s Sporting we’re talking about.
Outlet Público brings a story today saying the Lions are yet to explain where part of the money from Rui Patrício’s transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers has gone.
From the €18m paid by the Premier League side, it’s said only €12m went to Sporting. An amount of €4m was paid to Jorge Mendes to settle old debts from the Lisbon side with the agent, and the problem is the other €2m.
It’s said this minor amount was supposed to be ‘fund a protocol’ with Wolves which would ‘facilitate the entry of the Sporting brand in the Chinese market’.
Publico reports that this partnership has never been made clear, since no one has seen what this deal is all about. It’s been nearly two years since Patrício’s transfer.
Portuguese clubs normally get into these controversies on their own, owing percentages to third parties, with Premier League sides having no involvement in it.
But in case this €2m was really about a partnership with Wolves, then perhaps the Molineux club will have to respond to it as well.
