Wolverhampton Wanderers Fabio Silva 'to join Anderlecht on loan'

Much of the talk regarding Wolves this summer has involved the futures of midfielders with Joao Moutinho penning a new contract and Ruben Neves currently in line to remain at Molineux for another year.

That has subsequently led to Wolves failing to bring in any fresh faces at a time when John Ruddy, Marcal, Romain Saiss, Ki-Jana Hoever, Dion Sanderson and Ryan Giles have all departed on free transfers or on loan.

According to Portuguese journalist Pedro Sepulveda, another departure is close to completion with Silva on the brink of signing for Anderlecht on a temporary basis.

Since signing for Wolves for a club-record £35m in September 2020, the youngster has contributed just four goals from 54 appearances in the Premier League.

Head coach Bruno Lage provided the 19-year-old with 565 minutes of top-flight football during 2021-22, but the prospect failed to contribute a goal or assist.

There had been talk of Wolves being open to offers for senior frontman Raul Jimenez, who also endured a below-par campaign at Molineux.

However, it now appears that the Wolves hierarchy have taken the decision to prioritise giving Silva first-team football at another club, aware that 2022-23 could prove to be a pivotal campaign in terms of his development and future value.

Despite his price-tag and being due to turn 20 years of age later this month, Silva has still only made 26 starts during his professional career.

The report adds that the proposal will see Silva move to Belgium on a straight loan with Anderlecht paying his wages in full.

Anderlecht are now under new management with Felice Mazzu having being appointed as the replacement for Vincent Kompany, who has moved to Burnley.

Having finished in third position in their Jupiler Pro League playoff division at the end of the last campaign, Anderlecht are due to enter the Europa Conference League at the third qualifying round stage.

Silva is set to rival fellow arrival Sebastiano Esposito for a place in Mazzu's starting lineup, the 20-year-old having moved to Anderlecht on loan from Inter Milan.