This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Ruben Dias, Angelo Buta and Jose Sa all have some very particular things in common. They’re all Portuguese, they’re all clients of Jorge Mendes and coincidentally, they’re all targets for Wolves.
Dias was the subject of yet more interest last week (O Jogo, via Sport Witness) while Buta was subject of speculation from the Sunday Mirror at the weekend.
Sa, however, was linked in the Greek press last week with Leicester, West Ham and Arsenal also reportedly showing an interest in the goalkeeper ahead of January.
Considering Wolves already have Rui Patricio among their ranks, it would perhaps be bizarre to bring in a stopper currently at the top of his game in the Champions League.
On the chalkboard
Currently playing for Olympiacos, the 26-year-old has been in sublime form in Europe’s elite competition this season.
In a 2-0 defeat for his side against Bayern, he made an incredible nine saves, earning plaudits from Manuel Neuer in the process as he did his utmost to keep the Greek champions in the game.
He ultimately failed to do so but it was fine evidence of the qualities he possesses, demonstrating fantastic concentration and reflexes.
If Wolves did end up making a move for him then presumably he’d come in as Patricio’s number two. After all, the fellow Portuguese hasn’t done a lot wrong at Molineux.
With that in mind, it could finally spell the end of John Ruddy’s time in the old gold. The experienced professional was vital when Wolves came up, being named in the PFA Championship Team of the year.
However, he’s rarely been afforded any game time and has been restricted to Carabao Cup appearances this term. He also played just once throughout Wolves’ Europa League qualifying campaign.
Since Patricio arrived, he’s played as few as 12 times and has found matches even harder to come by in 2019/20. The 33-year-old has had to remain patient but it’s unlikely he’d take too kindly to being bumped further down the pecking order if another ‘keeper arrives.
With Sa very much in the pipeline, this only serves as bad news for Ruddy and he may have to look elsewhere for the best of his career.