Portugal No. 1 Patricio signs with Wolves
Might as well start referring to Premier League bound Wolves as Portugal 2.0.
Portugal's first-choice shot-stopper Rui Patricio is the latest to enlist with the West Midlands lot, joining Nuno Espirito Santo's side on a four-year deal from Sporting CP.
Patricio, who played all 90 minutes in Portugal's thrilling 3-3 draw with Spain last week, moves to Wolves on a free transfer after terminating his Sporting terms following an attack by masked thugs at the club's training base. That prompted a disagreement with the 18-time Portuguese league champ, with president Bruno de Carvalho claiming that Patricio was "manipulated" by super-agent and advisor to Wolves Jorge Mendes.
Much of Wolves' success in winning the Championship to book a top-flight return following a six-year hiatus can be attributed to a slew of Portuguese talents, who like Patricio, are represented by Mendes. Ruben Neves was named to the PFA Team of the Season, Diogo Jota finished the campaign with 17 league goals, fourth-best in the division, and Ivan Cavaleiro, Helder Costa, and Roderick Miranda all played a principle part of the club's 99-point season.
Euro 2016 winner Patricio joins Wolves following 460 appearances for Sporting that include 75 run-outs in Europe and 179 clean sheets.