According to a recent report by O Jogo, Wolverhampton Wanderers have held discussions regarding a potential move for Sporting CP whizkid Rodrigo Fernandes this summer. The same source has also claimed that the West Midlands outfit are expected to launch an offer between €10m to €12m after holding talks with the Portuguese club over a summer move for their prized asset. Wolves have made a habit of signing players represented by Jorge Mendes, so Fernandes could be another name on that list.
Fernandes’ Impressive Rise In Portuguese Football
The 19-year-old is a product of the Sporting academy and has made his way up the Portuguese outfit’s youth ranks before establishing himself as a regular feature in their Under-23 side. He has made 24 appearances in the Revelation League, scoring one goal in the process.
Fernandes has also participated in two UEFA Europa League matches this season when he was brought on as an impact substitute against Rosenborg and Linzer ASK respectively. He has made four senior appearances for Sporting but is yet to open his goal-scoring account at the highest level.
The talented teenager has also represented Portugal at every various youth ranks and is currently a crucial member of their Under-19 team, having taken part in 23 matches for them while scoring one goal so far. He has the potential to become a senior international for his country as long as he can keep improving himself in the years to come.
What Are The Portuguese Whizkid’s Best Attributes?
Fernandes can use his quickness and agility to make some driving runs with the ball from midfield. He is a composed dribbler who can use his upper-body strength to shield the ball and retain possession for his side at the centre of the park. The Portuguese youngster can also hit the ball with power or curve it into the opposition net. However, he is still quite raw and would need some time to develop the defensive side of his game in the coming seasons.
Is Fernandes A Prospect For The Future?
Fernandes’ ceiling is sky-high, so he will be an astute signing for Wolves in the long-run. Nuno Espirito Santo could be the ideal man to nurture his talents and get the best out of him at the Molineux Stadium. At the moment, the Sporting CP prospect is not ready to feature in the Premier League week in week out. However, if the West Midlands giants are willing to be patient with him, then he could turn into a future first-team player for them as long as he can show signs of progress over the next few years.
All in all, Fernandes is undoubtedly a prospect to look out for in the future, so Nuno Espirito Santo will do well to lure him away from Lisbon this summer. At 19, he has already displayed a lot of promise in youth football and has plenty of time to transform himself into a reliable holding midfielder at the top level.
