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Transfer news: Wolves sign Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio following Sporting resignation


Wolves have agreed a deal to sign Portugal international goalkeeper Rui Patricio on a free transfer.

The Molineux club have been chasing the 30-year-old for over a month and their cause was aided by his desire to cancel his contract at Sporting Lisbon after fans attacked the club's training ground.

A dispute between his agents and Sporting had threatened negotiations at one stage but Patricio has now signed a four-year contract.

Portugal's No 1 goalkeeper, Rui Patricio (centre), has signed for Wolverhampton Wanderers

Patricio, pictured in World Cup action on Friday night, will join Wolves on a four-year contract

Patricio is one of seven Sporting players, including William Carvalho, Gelson Martins, Rafael Leao and Bruno Fernandes, to cancel their own contracts in response to the training ground attack.

Sporting president Bruno de Carvalho has opened legal proceedings against them, but Wolves are confident their deal is legally sound.

There is a chance that should the case go to FIFA then Wolves may pay a compensation fee.

Wolves confirmed Patricio's arrival on Twitter, writing: 'Wolves are delighted to confirm @selecaoportugal and @Sporting_CP number one Rui Patricio has joined the club on a four-year deal. #BemVindoRui'.

Wolves confirmed the signing on their official Twitter account, writing '#BemVindoRui'


Wolves sign Portugal goalkeeper Patricio following Sporting resignation

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The 30-year-old, who is currently away on World Cup duty, has penned a four-year contract with a side preparing for life back in the Premier League

Promoted Premier League side Wolves have signed Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio on a four-year contract.

Patricio, 30, leaves Primeira Liga side Sporting CP to make the move to Molineux, becoming Wolves' second new signing of the transfer window in a deal subject to international clearance.

His arrival follows that of Raul Jimenez, who joined on loan from Benfica last week.

Patricio made 460 appearances for Sporting and kept 179 clean sheets, winning the Taca de Portugal twice and the Taca da Liga this past season.

However, his time at Sporting ended in acrimony as he terminated his own contract in the aftermath of attack by a section of the club's supporters at the end of last season after they missed out on qualification for the Champions League.

Sporting have opened legal proceedings against Patricio and six other players.

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He is Portugal's first-choice goalkeeper and helped them to their first major trophy at Euro 2016.

On duty with Portugal at the World Cup, Patricio will look to ensure Wolves avoid an immediate return to the Championship having won promotion in comfortable fashion in 2017-18.

Wolves finished top of England's second tier with 99 points, finishing nine clear of Cardiff City in second and 11 ahead of third-placed Fulham, who won the play-off final to join the top two in the Premier League.


Rui Patricio won the 2016 European Championships with Portugal

Premier League newcomers Wolves have signed Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio from Sporting Lisbon.

The 30-year-old was one of seven Sporting players who last week terminated their own contracts following an attack by fans.

He has joined on a four-year deal, subject to international clearance.

Patricio won the 2016 European Championships with Portugal and is currently with his country at the World Cup in Russia.

The signing follows the £10m capture of Porto defender Willy Boly, while Mexico forward Raul Jimenez has joined Nuno Espirito Santo's side on a season-long loan deal from another Portuguese side, Benfica.

Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

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