Wolverhampton demonstrated its new-found pull by signing Portugal defender Nelson Semedo from Barcelona in a deal worth up to 40 million euros ($46 million) on Wednesday.
The arrival of Semedo on a three-year deal increases the Portuguese connection at Wolves, which also has Portugal internationals Joao Moutinho, Ruben Neves and Rui Patricio in the team and is coached by their compatriot, Nuno Espirito Santo.
With Wolves paying an initial 30 million euros, plus 10 million euros in what Barcelona described as “variables,” Semedo could end up becoming the club’s record transfer — eclipsing the $45 million spent on another Portuguese player, 18-year-old striker Fabio Silva, during the offseason.