Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Goncalo Guedes has rejoined Benfica on a season-long loan deal.
Last summer, Wolves paid in the region of £27.5m to sign Guedes from Valencia, the expectation being that he would become a key part of the first team.
However, the Portugal international failed to justify his price-tag, contributing just one goal and one assist from 708 minutes of Premier League football.
Soon after the arrival of Julen Lopetegui, it became apparent that the 26-year-old had fallen down the pecking order under the Spaniard.
Guedes swiftly made a return to Benfica, one of his former clubs and where he started his professional career, on a deal for the remainder of 2022-23.
© Reuters
Although Guedes played a total of 15 games in all competitions, a knee injury restricted his game time at Estadio da Luz, and he returned to Molineux in the summer with his career in a state of limbo.
With Wolves changing head coaches and Guedes still going through the final stages of rehabilitation from his injury, it was unclear whether he would be provided with a fresh chance under Gary O'Neil.
Wolves have now clarified the situation, revealing that Guedes would be taking on a third stint at Benfica on a loan deal until next summer.
Speaking to the club's official website, sporting director Matt Hobbs alluded to Guedes having just become a father and his family being happy back in their homeland.
© Reuters
Furthermore, Hobbs indicated that Benfica paying Guedes's wages had opened up a pathway for Wolves to strengthen their squad before close of business on Friday.
O'Neil is allegedly keen to sign another centre-back and attacker, while a replacement will be required for Matheus Nunes if he signs for Manchester City.
Daniel Podence could also depart the Premier League outfit over the coming days with the winger having not featured in Lopetegui's or O'Neil's plans at different points this summer.
Borussia Monchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi and Man City midfielder Tommy Doyle have each been strongly linked with a move to Wolves in recent days.
Darren Plant
