Wolves could be set to cash in from another clause – This time 40%

Wolves could be edging towards another summer windfall, with Sporting’s pursuit of former Wolves winger Chiquinho gathering momentum in Portugal.

The 26-year-old has already emerged as one of Sporting’s priority targets for the wide attacking positions.

Earlier reports indicated manager Rui Borges preferred Chiquinho over Santa Clara’s Gabriel Silva. In addition, a fresh update from A Bola suggests the Lisbon club are continuing to work towards a deal.

For Wolves, the key detail is when Chiquinho left Molineux for Alverca, Wolves retained 40% of the player’s economic rights. And that clause is now helping shape the negotiations as Sporting explore a move.

Sporting waiting for one departure

According to A Bola, Sporting have already carried out exploratory contacts to assess the conditions of a transfer.

The Portuguese newspaper adds that Alverca have informed Sporting of their demands. Accordingly, a deal is expected to cost between £5.1m (€6m) and £8.5m (€10m).

That valuation is partly explained by Wolves’ involvement. Alverca would have to share a significant portion of any transfer income with the Premier League club, making it understandable why they are seeking a sizeable fee.

However, Sporting are not yet ready to push the button.

The report states that Chiquinho’s arrival depends on Souleymane Faye leaving the club first. The Senegal international joined Sporting from Granada in January but has failed to establish himself and is expected to return to Spanish football.

Once that exit is completed, Sporting are expected to have room to move for Chiquinho.

Wolves watching situation develop

Chiquinho’s potential return to Sporting would complete a very specific circle.

The winger spent ten years in Sporting’s academy before leaving without making a first-team appearance. Later, he impressed at Estoril and earned a £3.8m (€4.5m) move to Wolves in 2022.

His time in England never truly took off. A serious knee injury disrupted his progress. As a result, it limited him to just 11 appearances for Wolves before loan spells at Stoke City, Famalicão and Mallorca followed.

Now back in Portugal with Alverca, he has rebuilt his reputation. Chiquinho managed two goals and four assists in 20 appearances this season, helping the club earn promotion and attracting interest from Sporting once again.

A Bola also notes that other clubs remain interested in the winger. Nevertheless, Sporting continue to keep him firmly on their shortlist as they prepare for attacking changes this summer.

With Faye expected to depart and Pedro Gonçalves also linked with an exit, the conditions for a move could soon fall into place.

If they do, Wolves may find themselves cashing in from another transfer clause – this time thanks to the 40% stake they wisely kept hold of.