Wolves complete shock move for Pedro Lima ahead of Chelsea | OneFootball

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reached an agreement with Sport Recife to sign highly-rated young defender Pedro Lima, according to The Athletic.

The 17-year-old right-back had attracted interest from a host of top European clubs, most notably Chelsea, who were the front-runners to sign him.

However, Wolves have moved swiftly to secure his services on a five-year deal with the option for an additional year, pipping the Blues to his signing.

Lima is expected to arrive at Molineux on July 1 to undergo his medical and finalise the transfer. He will provide competition for Nelson Semedo and Matt Doherty.

“Sport Club do Recife announces that it has signed a binding agreement to transfer the economic and federative rights of athlete Pedro Lima to Wolverhampton Wanderers, from England,” a statement from the Brazilian club confirmed.

“The agreement is subject to customary conditions, including the athlete’s approval of medical examinations conducted by the English club.”

Chelsea reportedly intensified their pursuit of Lima last week, with plans to initially integrate him into their feeder club Strasbourg.

However, Wolves have won the race for his signature. Lima is their second piece of summer transfer business following the arrival of young Portuguese winger Rodrigo Gomes from Braga.

Lima broke into Sport Recife’s first team in January as a 16-year-old. He has already made eight appearances in Brazil’s Serie B this season.

He is also a Brazilian youth international, having featured for the country at last year’s Under-17 World Cup.