Goncalo Guedes, the forward Wolves signed from La Liga side, Valencia in 2022 for £28 million has had his loan cancelled at Benfica, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that he is “set for a medical at Villareal.” The right-footed Portuguese international managed a measly 13 appearances for the club in old gold totalling less than 300 minutes of play, scoring just one goal in that time.
Goncalo Guedes Set to Join Villareal After Unsuccessful Loan Spell at Benfica
🚨🟡 Villarreal are closing in on deal to sign Gonçalo Guedes from Wolves.
Benfica have 100% decided to terminate loan deal, he’s free to join Villarreal.
Final details being sorted between clubs and then time for medical tests. pic.twitter.com/Dg0HayYiwp
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 18, 2024
Where Did It All Go Wrong for Guedes?
Regarded as a hot young prospect at the Benfica academy, he was snapped up by Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. Struggling for game time, he was sent on loan to Valencia for a season, and then signed permanently. He netted 23 times for the Spanish side over four years, before moving to the Black Country, in a move orchestrated by Jorge Mendes.
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The dynamic forward failed to settle in with The Wanderers, according to The Athletic. Although widely regarded as a talented player, it seemed likely that he was unenthusiastic about the Premier League transfer in the first place, and was moved as part of the Jorge Mendes merry-go-round, rather than out of personal desire. It was hoped that a loan to his boyhood club, Benfica, might reignite his form and allow Wolves to recoup some of their investment, if not regain the talents of a revitalised forward.
What’s Next for the Attacker?
Having scored just one goal in 23 games for the Portuguese team, Guedes failed to make the impact he and his parent club would have liked to have seen. His loan was cancelled by mutual consent, and Romano has confirmed that he is set to join Villareal on loan for the remainder of the season. Liam Keen at the Express and Star reports that his new club (where he will reunite with his old coach, Marcelino) will pay 100% of his wages.
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He is contracted to Wolves until 2027, and with no real prospect of him returning to the West Midlands, it is likely that the club hope to see him rekindle some form and then be open to permanent transfer offers in the 2024 summer window.
