Wolves: Bruno Lage now 'pinning hopes' on 'huge signing' at Molineux

Wolverhampton Wanderers have pulled off a ‘huge statement signing’ by luring Matheus Nunes to Molineux, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The West Midlands outfit have made a slow start to the season, having lost to Leeds United and drawn with newly-promoted Fulham, but head coach Bruno Lage will be hoping that Nunes is set to make an instant impact.

Wolves have smashed their club-record transfer fee after signing Nunes in a £42.2million deal from Portuguese giants Sporting.

The midfielder was initially identified as a target before the 2021/22 season had even come to a close amid doubts over Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho’s respective futures at Molineux.

They have had to fight off competition to strike a deal, with West Ham United boss David Moyes confirming the east Londoners were turned down by Nunes.

Wolves were also boosted in their pursuit after Liverpool pulled out of the race for the 23-year-old’s signature.

Nunes has penned a five-year contract, which has the option of being extended by 12 months, while he has overtaken Fabio Silva as the most expensive arrival in the club’s history.

O’Rourke believes Wolves have pulled off a coup signing by welcoming Nunes to the Premier League.

The journalist feels Lage rates the Rio de Janeiro-born star highly and, having parted with such a considerable sum of money, will be desperate for his latest acquisition to be a success.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “It’s a huge statement signing. A number of top clubs have been linked with the midfielder this summer, but Wolves have won the race for his signature.

“It’s a club-record fee as well, so that just shows how much Wolves value him. I think they really are pinning their hopes on Nunes to be a top player for them going