Done Deal: Fabrizio Romano Confirms Long-Awaited Wolves Departure – With Key Clause Included
Wolverhampton Wanderers have finally brought an end to a long-running transfer saga involving Portuguese winger Chiquinho. After months of speculation surrounding his future, the 24-year-old has officially completed a permanent move to Portuguese side Alverca. The transfer, confirmed by renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, marks the conclusion of a largely disappointing spell at Molineux.
Chiquinho Seals Wolves Exit After Struggling to Make Impact
Chiquinho’s time in the West Midlands never quite lived up to the initial expectations. Signed from Estoril Praia for a reported £3 million fee back in January 2022, the winger arrived with high hopes following a promising spell in the Portuguese top flight. His pace, flair, and direct style of play had caught the attention of scouts, with Wolves believing they had secured a hidden gem.
Unfortunately, things didn’t go according to plan. Since making the switch, Chiquinho managed just 96 minutes of senior football for Wolves across all competitions. Injuries, competition for places, and a failure to adapt to the pace of the Premier League all contributed to his lack of involvement.
Now, after over three years and little to show for it, the winger has made the decision to return to his home country in hopes of reviving his career. Alverca, a second-tier Portuguese side, have taken a chance on the former Portugal U21 international, securing him on a three-year deal.
Financial Loss for Wolves – But Sell-On Clause Provides Future Hope
Perhaps the most surprising element of the deal is that Wolves will receive no immediate transfer fee for Chiquinho’s departure. However, the club has ensured that they remain invested in the player’s future with a 40% sell-on clause written into the agreement.
Unlike most sell-on clauses, which are usually based on profit made from a resale, this one applies to the entire transfer fee that Alverca may receive for Chiquinho in the future. This means that if the winger is sold for, say, €5 million down the line, Wolves will receive 40% of that amount—regardless of Alverca’s profit.
Although the club is taking a financial hit now, there’s hope that Chiquinho’s fortunes improve in Portugal, which could eventually provide some monetary return.
Emotional Farewell from Chiquinho
After news of the transfer was made public, Chiquinho took to social media to express his appreciation for his time at the club and the support he received from the fans. In a brief but heartfelt Instagram message, he wrote:
“Thank you Wolves family for all the support you’ve given me over the years. Once a Wolf, always a Wolf.”
Despite his struggles, it’s clear that the player holds no ill feelings towards the club or its supporters.
A Glimmer of Hope on Loan – But Not Enough
While Chiquinho never established himself at Wolves, he did show flashes of potential during loan spells away from the club. In the 2023/24 campaign, he spent time at Portuguese side Famalicão, where he registered five goals and occasionally looked like the player Wolves initially believed they were signing.
A brief loan stint at Stoke City in July 2023, however, was cut short after only a month, reflecting his broader difficulties adjusting to English football.
Another Portuguese Departure Looming?
Chiquinho may not be the only Portuguese player heading for the exit at Molineux. Nelson Semedo, who has been a regular fixture in the Wolves defence since arriving from Barcelona in 2020, is yet to commit to a new contract. The right-back’s previous deal expired at the end of June, and while Wolves have tabled a lucrative four-year offer, the 30-year-old is weighing up his options.
Several clubs from across Europe and the Middle East – including teams in Spain, Portugal, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia – are reportedly interested in snapping him up on a free transfer.
Losing Semedo would represent a significant blow for Wolves, both on and off the pitch. He is not only one of the most experienced defenders in the squad but also a leader in the dressing room. Replacing him with someone of similar pedigree will be a difficult task for manager Gary O’Neil and the recruitment team.
What Next for Wolves?
With Chiquinho now officially gone and Semedo’s future uncertain, it’s clear that this summer could bring about a period of significant change at Molineux. As the club looks to reshape its squad, fans will be eager to see new signings that can help push Wolves up the Premier League table after a mid-table finish last season.
For now, Chiquinho’s departure represents a necessary step in the ongoing rebuild — a reminder that not every signing works out, but also that there’s always a chance for redemption elsewhere.