Wolves suffer potential huge blow as fresh transfer report emerges regarding ‘special’ target

Wolves’ hopes of signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha have suffered a blow, with a fresh report claiming that he doesn’t want to move to Molineux.

Wanderers had a largely quiet January transfer window but they were linked with bringing in Palhinha, who has become a key player for the Portuguese champions.

The 26-year-old has scored three goals in 17 Primeira Liga starts this season, not to mention being hailed as a ‘special’ player by his manager Ruben Amorim.

A new update has emerged regarding his transfer status, but it isn’t a positive one from a Wolves perspective.

According to The Mirror, Palhinha ‘does not fancy a move to Molineux’, with Atletico Madrid mentioned as a possible suitor instead.

Manchester United are also seen as candidates to sign the 12-cap Portugal international, whose current deal at Sporting expires in the summer of 2026.

Palhinha appears to be a quality midfielder who could have been a perfect summer arrival for Wolves, especially with Ruben Neves’ future up in the air and Joao Moutinho now 35 years of age.

It looks as though the Sporting maestro will turn down a move to Wolves, though, with Champions League-competing clubs of Atletico and United’s stature likely to hold more appeal to players.

An incredible end to the season culminating in a top-four finish could change the situation, but it seems likely that Bruno Lage’s men will fall short of that aim after two Premier League defeats in recent days against teams in and around them in the European race.

In other news, Tim Spiers has slammed one Wolves player’s performance against West Ham. Read more here.

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