Wolves’ decision to bring Pedro Lima back from his Porto loan has come alongside a financial dispute in Brazil linked to his original transfer, according to local newspaper Jornal do Commercio.
The outlet report that Pedro Lima and his agent have formally notified Brazilian side Sport Recife they intend to take action over unpaid fees.
This relates to sums they believe are owed from his sale to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Wolves signed the right-back in a deal worth €10m (£8.5m), split into two instalments. That move took place in mid June, summer transfer window 2024.
Sport have since addressed the issue in an official statement. The club confirmed that Lima is still owed €1.2m (£1.02m) from his cut of the transfer to Wolves. His agent is due a further €280k (£240k). Both parties have now submitted a formal claim, clearly growing tired of waiting for their money.
The club explained that the transfer included a first payment from Wolves of €6m (£5.1m) and a second of €4m (£3.4m). Sport expediated both instalments through a foreign financial institution and accepted discounted values. This means using a factoring company to essentially borrow the money before it would otherwise hit.
However, the club admit the previous board failed to pass on the correct percentages after receiving the money.
Wolves have no part to play
This issue sits entirely off the pitch and does not involve Wolves directly. Still, it adds another layer to Lima’s situation. The 19-year-old has just returned to England after his Porto spell ended early, and his name remains in the spotlight for a new loan move.
Players and agents owning a percentage of transfer rights isn’t unusual in Brazilian football. Sometimes, especially when there’s a big move to the Premier League, they’re encouraged to give the money up.
On some other occasions, clubs simply don’t pay and hope nothing comes of it.
