Super agent Jorge Mendes could use his long list of contacts to land Wolves yet another gem in the summer.
One of the worst-kept secrets over the last half-decade has been Jorge Mendes‘ involvement in Wolves‘ transfer business since Fosun’s takeover in 2016.
Gestifute, the agency in which Mendes resides, have been a well-known ally of the Wanderer’s owners, with the Portuguese super agent dictating many transfers during the ownership.
Mendes’ initial influence became apparent in the 2017 transfer window, bringing to Molineux an influx of Portuguese talent, including Ruben Neves and Diogo Jota, alongside Nuno Espirito Santo.
Running out as Championship winners, promotion to the Premier League saw his influence become even greater as Portugal internationals Rui Patricio and Joao Moutinho joined to guide Wolves into Europe.
Since Wolves have encountered issues with financial fair play and as a result, less money to spend in the transfer window, Mendes has had less of a say, but that could be about to change.
Jorge Mendes could help Wolves sign Ansu Fati
Agent Mendes boasts a number of clients in the game, with Cristiano Ronaldo heading that list, while several Wolves stars, including Nelson Semedo, Pedro Neto and Matt Doherty are all represented by the 58-year-old.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Mendes could offload his client Ansu Fati to Molineux this summer if he can’t find him a suitable destination.
The report claims that Brighton aren’t interested in signing the talented forward permanently, while Barcelona, his parent club, have made it clear he isn’t part of their plans moving forward.
With interest in Spain, specifically from Valencia and Sevilla, Mendes is working on deals but could facilitate a move to Wolves as an ’emergency’ solution.
Pep Guardiola loves Ansu Fati
Brighton signed Ansu Fati on loan from Barcelona last summer, but the 21-year-old hasn’t reached the heights his talent suggests.
Dubbed “extraordinary” by Xavi, Fati broke onto the scene at Barca as a 17-year-old in 2019/20 and has since amassed 112 appearances for the Spanish giants, scoring 29 and assisting 10.
Despite featuring 36 times last term, they wanted him to join a club that could play a crucial role in his development, with Brighton his preferred destination.
However, the talented winger has only netted four times in 24 appearances, with a calf injury preventing him from gaining momentum.
Once hailed by Pep Guardiola for possessing “great quality”, a move to the South Coast may not have worked out, but Gary O’Neil can certainly get the best out of him.
With Pedro Neto potentially departing in the summer, O’Neil will need a replacement and Fati could be his man.