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179 clean sheets in 460 games – Wolves signing this veteran shot-stopper could be a huge coup

Newly-promoted Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers are set to sign Portuguese international Rui Patricio, as per reports from Express & Star. 

The 30-year-old goalkeeper has terminated his contract with Portuguese outfit Sporting Lisbon after enduring an unhappy spell at the club. And Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolves are now in advanced talks to sign the Portuguese No.1 but it remains unclear whether the Midlands club would be signing him for free, or if they need to pay a fee to Sporting. 

Wolves had agreed on a fee of £15.8m with Sporting for Patricio’s transfer but that deal fell through as the Portuguese club demanded more money, leading to the player’s contract termination. However, reports claim that Sporting will go to court to seek compensation if the player joins Wolves for free.

Patricio, who is currently on international duty with Portugal for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, has been with Sporting since 2000. He joined the academy at the age of 11 and has rapidly risen through the youth ranks over the years. The 30-year old broke into the senior team in 2006 and has been a regular for them ever since.  

Patricio went on to make a whopping 460 appearances for the Portuguese club, in which he managed to maintain a total of 179 clean sheets. During his time at the club, the 30-year old custodian lifted two Portuguese Cups and two Portuguese Super Cups along with a League Cup as well.  

The goalkeeper has established himself as a mainstay in the Portuguese national team as well, having made his debut for the Seleccao back in November 2010. Since then, he has gone on to feature 69 times on the international stage and was a key part of the team that won the UEFA European Championship two years ago. 

A player with such a well-established track record would be an excellent addition to the ranks at the Molineux ahead of next season. Patricio is a goalkeeper with great all-around abilities and he can be an intimidating presence between the sticks. He is also capable of picking a pass out from the back, which is becoming an important tool for goalkeepers in the modern game.  

Patricio is a leader both on and off the field and his volumes of experience will be immensely helpful for Wolves in the Premier League.  

It remains to be seen if Wolves will sign him for free but either way, the Portuguese will be a major coup for Santo’s side as they gear up for their much-awaited return to the English top-flight. 

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