Portuguese giant Sporting CP has pulled off a relative coup, signing highly rated Brazilian midfielder and Paris Saint-Germain target Wendel from Fluminense.
The 20-year-old was strongly linked with a move to the French capital, as the player's agent confirming discussions with the club in December. That interest was thwarted by PSG's reported concerns about potential Financial Fair Play (FFP) violations, and Sporting swooped in, signing Wendel to a five-and-a-half year deal through 2023.
Sporting confirmed the transfer Saturday, adding that the contract includes a €60-million buyout clause.
As prendas chegaram no Dia de Reis. Bem-vindos ao Sporting CP, @_08wendel e Josip Misic! #BemVindoWendel #BemVindoMisic pic.twitter.com/wLJ5q6judV
— Sporting Clube de Portugal (@Sporting_CP) January 6, 2018
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Wendel's move to Europe is the latest accomplishment in a rapid rise. After making his first-team debut with Rio behemoth Fluminense in February, the central midfielder quickly rose the ranks of Brazil's next generation of stars. A robust player who fancies having the ball at his feet, Wendel is considered a well-rounded and complete player with a thumping right-foot.
The Lisbon local also announced the signing of 23-year-old Croatian attacking midfielder Josip Misic, who joins the 22-time Portuguese champ from Prva Liga holder HNK Rijeka.