Wolves had a fairly frantic end to the summer window.
Matheus Nunes completed his major move to Manchester City, while Wolves brought in a number of fresh players.
Santiago Bueno, Enso Gonzalez, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, and Tommy Doyle arrived, providing Gary O’Neil some new blood.But there may have been another exit if Wolves had rejected a late approach…
Wolves prevented Pablo Sarabia from joining Sporting CP.
Leonino, a Sporting-based Portuguese website, has obtained an exclusive on Wolves playmaker Pablo Sarabia.
They claim that Sporting asked Wolves about a deal for Sarabia just days before the transfer window closed.
It’s stated that Wolves were absolutely firm – they refused to strike any kind of deal with Sporting, whether loan or permanent.
The answer ‘surprised’ Sporting but a deal was completely ruled out by Wolves, who wanted to keep hold of Sarabia.
Sporting were looking to give Sarabia a return to Lisbon given that he spent the 2021-22 on loan at Sporting from Paris Saint-Germain.
Sarabia smashed 21 goals and eight assists in all competitions during that spell, becoming a Sporting favourite.
Wolves completely blocked an emotional return though, leaving Sporting disappointed.
Sarabia’s departure in 2024 would not be surprising.
Sarabia was unquestionably a Julen Lopetegui acquisition.
Lopetegui worked with Sarabia at Real Madrid and emphasised their long-standing friendship when Wolves bought him earlier this year.
Sarabia never got going in a Wolves shirt, scoring once and assisting once in 13 appearances under Lopetegui.
Sarabia is now trying to prove himself to O’Neil, but he has started just two Premier League games this season and played only 189 minutes of league action.
The 31-year-old was given just 15 minutes at Bournemouth on Saturday and his future appears a little unclear.
If Sarabia’s playing time doesn’t change before January, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him leave – and maybe Sporting will come knocking again.
