Is Jorge Mendes Becoming Influential at Wolves Again?

Jorge Mendes, the renowned Portuguese football agent and head of Gestifute, has long been associated with Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) since the club’s acquisition by Fosun International in 2016. His network of connections brought a wave of talent, particularly from Portugal, that propelled Wolves to new heights in English football. However, recent developments have sparked fresh discussions about whether Mendes’ influence at Molineux is on the rise again.

The Early Days: Mendes’ Key Role in Wolves’ Success

Mendes’ influence extended beyond player recruitment. Wolves became a club closely associated with Gestifute, which provided access to players and managers that other mid-table Premier League teams could not easily acquire. This period marked a significant success for both Wolves and Mendes’ reputation in English football.

A Shift in Strategy: Wolves Move Away from Mendes’ Dominance

In recent seasons, Wolves’ hierarchy has reportedly attempted to reduce their reliance on Mendes and his agency. Reports suggest that Wolves’ recruitment strategy has evolved, particularly in diversifying their player targets beyond Portugal.

For example, the club has focused on Brazilian talent, a notable shift that includes signings like Matheus Cunha and João Gomes, who have been vital to Wolves’ recent campaigns. Emerging players such as André and Pedro Lima also demonstrate the club’s intention to build a broader scouting network and reduce dependency on Mendes’ Portuguese connections.

This approach was seen as a strategic move to make Wolves’ operations more autonomous and sustainable, ensuring their success isn’t solely tied to a single agent or market.

Clubs like Wolves know that when they bet on football matters with calculated decisions, whether through trusted intermediaries like Mendes or new scouting networks, each signing comes with risks and rewards that can shape the team’s long-term ambitions.

Mendes’ Continued Presence at Wolves

While Wolves have diversified their recruitment strategy, Mendes has not disappeared entirely. Gestifute continues to represent key Wolves players, including José Sá and Nélson Semedo, maintaining a link between the club and Mendes’ agency.

Recent reports indicate that Mendes may still facilitate deals for Wolves when opportunities align. For instance, Wolves have reportedly submitted offers for promising European players, with Mendes acting as an intermediary. His extensive network in European football remains valuable, especially in securing talent for competitive prices.

Managerial Changes: A Sign of Mendes’ Return?

Wolves’ managerial appointments have also raised questions about Mendes’ ongoing influence. Following Gary O’Neil’s recent departure, Wolves are reportedly in talks with Portuguese manager Vítor Pereira, currently coaching in Saudi Arabia. Should Pereira take the job, he would follow in the footsteps of previous Portuguese managers Nuno Espírito Santo and Bruno Lage, both of whom had connections to Mendes.

This pattern has reignited speculation about Mendes’ influence at Molineux. While it remains unclear how much direct input he has in these decisions, the frequent appointment of Portuguese managers suggests that Mendes’ network continues to intersect with the club’s strategic direction.

Balancing Influence: Wolves’ Future with Mendes

While Mendes’ contributions to Wolves’ success cannot be denied, the club appears determined to establish a more balanced operational model. By expanding their scouting network to include talent from South America and beyond, Wolves are building a foundation for long-term stability.

At the same time, Mendes’ presence remains beneficial in certain scenarios, particularly for securing talent that might otherwise be out of Wolves’ reach.

Conclusion: Is Mendes Back in Control?

While Jorge Mendes’ influence at Wolves has been reduced in recent years, recent managerial developments and transfer links suggest a possible resurgence. Wolves appear to be navigating a middle ground and continuing to benefit from Mendes’ extensive network while seeking to build a more independent structure.

As Wolves progress under new leadership and a diversified recruitment strategy, the extent of Mendes’ influence will likely continue to fluctuate. Whether this marks a return to his central role or simply an evolution of the club’s relationship with Gestifute remains to be seen. What is clear is that Jorge Mendes’ connection to Wolves is far from over.