Fabio Silva: Wolves break club transfer record to sign 18-year-old Portuguese wonderkid for £35m

Fabio Silva is considered one of the standout young talents in world football

Executive chairman Jeff Shi poses with Fabio Silva (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

Wolverhampton Wanderers have broken their transfer record to sign Portuguese wonderkid Fabio Silva, paying Porto £35m for an 18-year-old with a huge reputation.

Silva is considered one of the best teenage talents in world football. He made nine appearances for Porto in the Premeira Liga last season, scoring one goal, and has risen through the age groups at international level where he has impressed at major youth tournaments.

He has signed a five-year contract, and Wolves chairman Jeff Shi is confident the youngster can make an impact for Nuno Espirito Santo's squad, who are looking to build on last season's run to the Europa League quarter-finals.

"We've been following Fabio's development for a long time. He's a player that you only need several minutes to see his natural football talent," Shi said on the club's official website. 

"In recent years, Fabio has been developing very fast and now has proven himself in Porto's first team, which is a top squad. Our head coach's requirement for quality is very high, but he thinks Fabio is an important signing who will help the team immediately this season. 

"The timing of this deal is similar to the timing of when we bought Ruben Neves; we've waited for the right time to get a high-quality player at the right price."