Wendel : The Future of Brazil’s Midfield?

At the end of the 2017, Fluminese’s young Brazilian midfielder Marcus Wendel Valle da Silva, commonly known as Wendel was linked with a move to PSG. The Parisian club even sent a delegation to Rio de Janeiro to strike a deal with Fluminense.

Despite finding an agreement, PSG withdrew their interest in the player amid Financial Fair Play concerns, which led to Sporting CP signing the central midfielder for €8 million in January 2018. 

Wendel was regarded as the future of Brazil's midfield alongside Barcelona's Arthur Melo. However, his first six months at Alvalade stadium didn't quite do justice to his stature. He found it difficult to adapt to the speed and tactical nuances of European football, which led to little playing time during the under manager Jorge Jesus.