Transfer Centre

Al-Ittihad pushing to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Moutinho?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 10 June 2023

Al-Ittihad pushing to sign Wolves midfielder Moutinho?

Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Moutinho is reportedly considering an offer to sign for Saudi Arabian champions Al-Ittihad.

Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Moutinho has reportedly emerged as a priority transfer target for Al-Ittihad.

Since the beginning of June, the Saudi Arabian champions have signalled their intent to ensure that they have the best chance of successfully retaining their league title.

Most notably, Karim Benzema has left Real Madrid to sign with Al-Ittihad, the Frenchman now going head-to-head with Cristiano Ronaldo at rivals Al-Nassr.

Nevertheless, if reports are to be believed, Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante could be the next to arrive at a club managed by Nuno Espirito Santo.

Given his success in his first campaign at Al-Ittihad, Nuno is now expected to remain in charge, rather than entertain offers to return to Europe.

Al Ittihad coach Nuno Espirito Santo on January 26, 2023 © Reuters

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, that has seemingly resulted in Nuno pushing for a reunion with Moutinho, who he signed for Wolves.

Throughout Nuno's successful reign at Molineux, the Portugal international was a key player in midfield, helping Wolves consolidate in the Premier League and reach the Europa League quarter-finals in 2019-20.

However, Moutinho will leave Wolves at the end of his contract, which expires in June, having been used on a more infrequent basis under Julen Lopetegui.

The expectation was that the 36-year-old would be provided with a Molineux goodbye when Wolves played host to Everton in their final home game of the season on May 20.

Joao Moutinho celebrates scoring for Wolverhampton Wanderers in January 2022 © Reuters

Instead, Moutinho was a notable absentee, with Lopetegui later claiming that it was Moutinho's decision not to be involved as he 'had an important offer on the table'.

Although that may not have been from Al-Ittihad or another Saudi Arabian club at the time, it is now clear that the veteran could move to the Middle East.

Romano says that Moutinho is still considering his options and will make a decision in due course, with the likelihood being that there are also proposals on the table from mainland Europe.

Moutinho made 20 starts and 11 substitute outings in the Premier League this season, taking his tally at Wolves to 212 appearances in all competitions.