Report: Fabio Silva Transfer Stalls as Dortmund Talks Break Down Over Wolves’ Unusual Agent Decision

Fabio Silva’s exit from Wolverhampton Wanderers has hit a major snag, with Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig both facing unexpected hurdles in their pursuit of the Portuguese striker. According to sources close to the situation, Wolves’ decision to grant exclusive negotiating rights to Jorge Mendes’ Gestifute agency has caused talks to stall—despite serious interest from several top European clubs.

Silva Eager to Leave Wolves After Frustrating Spell

The 22-year-old striker, who became Wolves’ record signing in 2020 following a £35 million move from FC Porto, has endured a difficult few years in English football. Although he arrived at Molineux with a glowing reputation as one of Europe’s brightest attacking prospects, Silva has failed to live up to expectations, scoring just five goals and providing six assists in 72 appearances for the Premier League side.

In a bid to rediscover form and rebuild confidence, Silva has been loaned out to several clubs, including stints at Anderlecht, PSV Eindhoven, Rangers, and most recently, Las Palmas in Spain. His time in La Liga proved particularly productive, as he finished the 2024–25 season with 10 goals and three assists in just 25 appearances—a return that has sparked fresh interest across the continent.

European Giants Circle, But Negotiations Hit a Wall

TEAMtalk previously reported that as many as nine clubs had registered interest in signing Silva this summer. Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig have emerged as two of the leading contenders, while clubs in Spain and Italy are also monitoring the situation closely.

However, a significant barrier has now emerged. Wolves have granted an exclusive mandate to Gestifute—Jorge Mendes’ powerful agency—to handle all discussions regarding Silva’s future. This decision has proven problematic, as Silva already has a personal agent representing his interests. The involvement of an additional third party—especially one focused primarily on the financial structuring of a deal—has created unnecessary complexity and inflated the potential cost of the transfer.

Clubs Frustrated by Wolves’ Approach

Sources close to the negotiations indicate that Dortmund, Leipzig, and other interested parties would prefer to engage directly with Silva’s own agent. These clubs view the involvement of Gestifute as an obstacle that introduces unwanted bureaucracy and financial demands, including agent fees and intermediary payments that would otherwise not be necessary.

The result has been growing frustration among potential suitors. Despite genuine interest in acquiring the talented forward on a permanent basis, clubs are now hesitant to proceed under the current terms. With fees escalating and talks bogged down by conflicting representation, the transfer has ground to a halt.

Market Ready, But Mandate Blocks Exit

There’s no shortage of interest in Silva, and the player himself is reportedly eager to leave Wolves on a permanent deal this summer. After years of temporary moves, Silva is seeking long-term stability to reignite his career at a club that can offer regular playing time and a clear development path.

Both Wolves and Silva are open to a full transfer, and there is a clear market ready to take him—particularly after his recent resurgence in Spain. However, until the current negotiating framework changes, the transfer is unlikely to progress.

A Resolution Needed for All Sides

As it stands, the situation can only move forward if Wolves agree to adjust their approach and allow direct negotiations between interested clubs and Silva’s actual agent. Doing so could unlock a transfer that suits all parties—Wolves, Silva, and the buying club alike.

With the summer transfer window heating up and time ticking, pressure may soon mount on Wolves to abandon the exclusive mandate with Gestifute in favour of a more traditional and streamlined negotiation process.

If they don’t, they risk losing out on an ideal opportunity to offload a player who no longer features prominently in their plans—while also frustrating a young talent determined to get his career back on track.