The Wolves are back! Nuno Espirito Santos guided Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Championship title last season and emotions are high at Molineux.
They topped the league with 99 points to finish above second-placed Cardiff City. Having won the Championship, Wolves will now play in the Premier League campaign coming up after the FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The Wolves played an attractive and exciting style of football in their Championship run. The result has left a lot of their players in the wake of intense transfer speculation. If the Wolves are to make a name for themselves and maintain their form in the Premier League, they will certainly new a few additions.
The manager is reportedly eyeing a move for Sporting CP goalkeeper Rui Patricio. The 30-year-old has terminated his contract with Sporting.
The Portuguese goalkeeper has made 327 appearances for the club and has been part of their project since 2006. He also lifted the Euro Cup with Portugal in 2016, claiming his first international trophy. He was instrumental in their run to the title, making important saves in the tightest of situations.
Patricio made 25 appearances in Portuguese Primeira Liga last term, maintaining 14 clean sheets in the process. He averaged 2.3 saves per game and boasts an 88% claim success rate. The Sporting goalkeeper is an exceptional shot-stopper and his reflexes are off the charts. He would be a great signing for the Wolves, given his experience and skills. Given the intensity of the Premier League, Wolves could make use of a player like Patricio.
Their first-choice keeper, John Ruddy, displayed impressive form in the Championship last season. In a total of 44 appearances, the goalkeeper maintained a whopping 23 clean sheets.
The Wanderers conceded just 39 goals and some might even wonder as to whether they really need a new man between the sticks. But with the demands and pressure to perform in the top-flight, a back-up would make sense.
Patricio would certainly provide a sense of security, particularly if Ruddy were to succumb to an injury. In that case, there would be no concerns as to whether he is qualified enough to do so. Goalkeepers rarely suffer injuries, but when they do, it tends to keep them out for a prolonged period.
And if Wolves want to make a name for themselves in the Premier League, they must spend money for it and bring in the experienced keeper.
