Wolves could end up benefiting from Sporting’s search for a new winger this summer.
The Portuguese side are stepping up plans to strengthen manager Rui Borges’ attack ahead of next season.
According to local newspaper Record, the Sporting manager has now made a clear choice between two domestic targets – former Wolves player Chiquinho, who is now playing at Alverca, and Santa Clara’s Gabriel Silva.
Both players are appreciated internally. However, Borges reportedly believes Chiquinho is the better tactical fit for the kind of football he wants Sporting to play next season.
Of course that is where Wolves quietly enter the picture again.
Wolves still holding significant percentage
Chiquinho joined Wolves from Estoril in January 2022, but his time in England never really settled. He was loaned out a lot (Stoke City, Famalicão and Mallorca) and had serious injury problems, especially the cruciate ligament issue which sidelined him for a lengthy period.
Still, Wolves protected themselves when selling him to Alverca last summer.
According to Record, Wolves still own 40% of the winger’s economic rights. Alverca currently hold the other 60%, and Sporting’s interest is now bringing that arrangement into focus again.
Sporting were already close to signing Chiquinho once under Ruben Amorim in 2024. The deal collapsed at the time, as we covered closely, but the player remained highly rated at Alvalade.
Now Rui Borges reportedly sees the 26-year-old as more prepared for positional football and structured attacking patterns than Gabriel Silva. His previous experience in England and Italy is also viewed as an advantage.
Alverca are said to want around £8.4m (€10m) for the player. However, there is apparently room to negotiate if Sporting include players in the operation.
That would naturally attract attention at Wolves because of their percentage.
Injury concerns still hanging over transfer
The biggest concern surrounding Chiquinho remains his medical history.
Record explain that Sporting still have reservations because the winger has already suffered two long-term injuries during his career. That factor could yet reopen the door for Gabriel Silva, who is considered cheaper and carries fewer physical concerns.
Gabriel Silva only has one year left on his Santa Clara contract. The Brazilian is reportedly available for around £4.2m (€5m). Still, the tactical discussion appears central here.
Sporting believe Gabriel Silva is more dangerous attacking open space and driving forward with the ball. Rui Borges reportedly fears those situations may appear less often for Sporting domestically because opponents usually defend deep against them.
Chiquinho, meanwhile, is viewed as more comfortable in controlled attacking phases and positional dominance. Even as he missed out most of this season due to injury, he still registered 2 goals and 4 assists in 19 league games.
That difference may end up creating a useful financial boost for Wolves if Sporting finally complete the move.
