If Jota Silva played for one of the big three in Portugal then it’s almost certain he’d have been the subject of endless transfer rumours and linked with half the Premier League.
However, the 24-year-old, who can play on either wing or through the middle, is at Vitória de Guimarães, where he has a contract until June 2025. As it stands, the only Premier League club linked by the Portuguese media recently has been Wolves.
That was part of a claim which explained Ligue 1’s Nice are very keen and working to secure a deal in the summer. Despite the player’s contract expiring just over a year from now, Vitória are pointing to Jota Silva’s release clause for an exit.
Often with Portuguese clubs that would see a huge sum out of the reach of most, but in this case it’s a very reasonable €20m… an amount that would be affordable for Wolves in the next window.
Jota Silva has scored 14 goals and contributed seven assists in 33 matches for Vitória so far this season. That includes scoring in each of his last four Primeira League matches.
Roberto Martinez gave him his debut during the March international break, and €20m for a Portugal international looks a good bet.
Sunday’s edition of O Jogo sings the player’s praises, explaining he scored a ‘beautiful goal’ against Moreirense on Saturday, and ‘once again produced a decisive performance’ in the 1-0 victory.
Record state ‘Jota Silva was once again the hero on duty’, and A Bola just refer to him as ‘the inevitable Jota’.
All three Portuguese newspapers believe he was MOTM.
Perhaps that he’s not represented by a big agency is behind the lack of apparent Premier League interest. Wolves may be out there alone, and if that’s the case then they should seriously consider going through with this one before others take notice.
