Wolves midfielder part of a two-phase plan in Brazil – Club waiting for market shift

Wolverhampton midfielder André continues to feature in internal discussions at Palmeiras, but Brazilian reports stress that the interest remains conceptual rather than operational. 

According to Brazilian insider Diego Firmino, Palmeiras have mapped the No. 5 position through a two-stage plan. The first phase is focused on the present. The club want a name to replace Aníbal Moreno, who has been sold to River Plate. This step prioritises availability and cost control, pointing to a functional solution rather than a structural signing.

The second phase is projected for the middle of the year. With the probable departure of Uruguay international Emiliano Martínez, Palmeiras intend to reassess the market under different conditions. The idea is to target players who are free agents or entering the final stretch of their contracts, reducing financial exposure and increasing flexibility.

Within that framework, André sits in a separate category. The midfielder represents the ideal technical profile for the role. However, admiration does not translate into an immediate move. Wolves’ investment, André’s contract until 2029 and his valuation keep any deal out of reach under normal circumstances.

As previously outlined, Palmeiras only see a realistic opening under exceptional conditions. One would be a drastic change in Wolves’ sporting context, such as relegation, which could force asset sales. The other would involve an equally unusual financial structure, such as a creative loan-based model or long-term instalments.

Until then, André remains a benchmark rather than a target. For Wolves, the situation reinforces their leverage: unless the wider context changes dramatically, the midfielder stays part of their plans.