Jorge Mendes’ association with Wolves has always been something that’s monitored closely.
Although the activity may spark controversy in some parts – an investigation was launched by the EFL in 2018 – you have to commend Fosun for establishing the relationship in the first place.
Their manager of four years, Nuno Santo, was a client of Mendes’ Gestifute agency and he has since helped bring a host of players to Molineux.
Focus on the departed Diogo Jota or think of Ruben Neves, Pedro Neto and Joao Moutinho; all of those players are on the books of Mendes.
He also has a stronghold over Vitinha, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rui Patricio, Nelson Semedo and young central defender Christian Marques.
Wolves has often been Mendes playground but they still miss some of his finest talent.
The jewel in the crown for the Portuguese super-agent has always been Cristiano Ronaldo. Of course, it would be far-fetched to suggest he moves to the Midlands but another Mendes client he rates incredibly highly represents a more realistic target.
That happens to be Andre Silva, a striker who’s been on the Wolves radar for a number of years now.
When he was at AC Milan, he was linked with the Old Gold in 2019 and the club reportedly tried to sign him back in January.
Instead, they landed Willian Jose on a six-month loan spell. He only provided one goal in Wolves colours and has now headed back to Real Sociedad.
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Silva’s career has been a difficult one, finding the net on only ten occasions in 41 outings for Milan following several years of hype at Porto.
However, he’s now found his feet in devastating fashion while playing for Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga.
The 25-year-old was a brutal force in the penalty area last term, scoring 29 goals in just 34 appearances across all competitions.
Silva has gone from a shy and neglected figure in Italy to a man now carrying the weight of expectation for Frankfurt. Only Robert Lewandowski scored more goals in the German top-flight last season, as the pair finished above Erling Haaland.
Known for his poaching instinct and impeccable composure, he was described as doing a “phenomenal job” by his idol, Ronaldo.
The duo now plays together for the Portuguese national team and if he starts firing at Euro 2020, there is every chance they reach the final again.
Silva has lacked confidence in recent years but after a stunning season, now could be the time to earn his move to the Premier League.
After all, Wolves were hardly full of goals last term. Neto ended up as the club’s top scorer on just five strikes while club-record signing, Fabio Silva, found the net on only four occasions.
There are also concerns over Raul Jimenez following his fractured skull. The Mexican has made a full recovery but will have to play with protective headgear for the rest of his career.
At the age of 30, there is no guarantee that he replicates his best form. The idea of signing Silva, therefore, should be an attractive one for Bruno Lage and Fosun and they should look to reignite thier January interest in the player.