Newly-promoted Wolves could begin their Premier League campaign with as many Portugal internationals in their starting line-up as Portuguese champions Porto.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo and agent Jorge Mendes are both Portuguese and this has been an obvious factor in the influx of players from that part of the world.
Here, Press Association Sport takes a look at the growing Iberian army at the Black Country club.
Rui Patricio
Two brilliant saves in the shoot-out from new man @rpatricio1_ captured by Wolves TV’s pitch side camera at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion.
— Wolves (@Wolves) July 22, 2018
The 30-year-old was his country’s number one at this summer’s World Cup and arguably represents Wolves’ biggest signing so far. Patricio has been capped 73 times by Portugal and made more than 450 appearances for Sporting Lisbon, whom he left at the end of last season after terminating his contract. He won Euro 2016 with Portugal.
Joao Moutinho
My first day at Wolves. ?? @WolvesPRT pic.twitter.com/e168U9xWBY
— João Moutinho (@JoaoMoutinho) July 24, 2018
Another Euro 2016 winner, the 31-year-old midfielder’s £5million arrival from Monaco is another example of the Mendes factor. Moutinho’s signing is a strong statement by Wolves – a vastly experienced player who has won silverware at the highest level with Porto, Sporting and Monaco, as well as his country.
Ruben Neves
Helder Costa
A delightful chipped finish from @heldercosta_ to make it 2-0 in yesterday’s pre-season win over @BSC_YB.
?️♂️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/He1DJjX7pu
— Wolves (@Wolves) July 15, 2018
Originally signed on loan from Benfica, Costa was the trailblazer for Portuguese players making their way to Wolves. A dozen goals during his debut season in the Championship convinced the club to pay the £13million asking price to make his move to Molineux permanent. The winger was hampered by an ankle injury last season but the 24-year-old remains an important part of the squad.
Ivan Cavaleiro
Diogo Jota
Ruben Vinagre
Roderick Miranda
