We must admit we expected a much bigger reaction from the Portuguese press after Rui Patrício was announced by Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The forming Sporting goalkeeper, who rescinded his contract with the Lisbon side last month, is joining the Championship winners on a free transfer, after signing a four-year contract.
The Portuguese newspapers reported it normally today, without giving much attention to what Sporting can still do to get some money from the transfer.
They actually mention a scenario in which Wolves may still spend a few millions, but that’s for the English side’s own initiative.
Both O Jogo and A Bola claim that Wolves have shown willingness to pay Sporting if club president Bruno de Carvalho steps down.According to one side of the claims, Carvalho was the one responsible for making the deal collapse last month, even after the clubs had reached a €18m deal for the move.
The newspapers say that Wolves wouldn’t pay the full amount in that case, but would still compensate Sporting so they don’t end up empty handed.
Wolves don’t really seen like they have a big problem against Carvalho to make that kind of stance understandable, but Jorge Mendes does, so maybe he’s the one calling the shots here.
