WOLVES will not be able to sign Hulk in January because of new Brexit rules, according to reports.
The Midlands side have been heavily linked with the former Brazil international as a replacement for injured Raul Jimenez – who fractured his skull against Arsenal.
Wolves will not be able to sign Hulk because of new Brexit rulesCredit: Reuters
But new criteria linked to the UK’s departure from the EU will see any January move for the 34-year-old scuppered, according to the Athletic.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were reportedly offered the chance to sign Hulk on a free after he said goodbye to Chinese side Shanghai SIPG – where his contract officially expires on December 31.
Hulk was raking in a staggering £385,000-a-week in China and is willing to take a whopping 90 per cent pay cut at his next club.
But the ex-Zenit Saint Petersburg star has never played in any of Europe’s top five leagues.
And that looks likely to be the insurmountable hurdle which will block any Prem transfer.
From January 1 overseas signings must meet criteria based on their international experience and the quality of the league they are joining from.
Hulk does not qualify as he is joining from the Chinese Super League which has a far lower rating that LaLiga, the Bundesliga or Serie A.
The ex-Porto star has also not played for Brazil since 2016 which will also count against him.
If he had featured in 70 per cent of the minutes Brazil have played in the last two years he would be eligible for a move to the UK.
But he hits none of the required criteria and as a result will be forced to look elsewhere for his next club.
Hulk recently said: “I am listening to many proposals from Brazil and many places including in Europe.
“[I have offers from] Turkey, Portugal, England, Spain, Italy, Germany – and I also have an offer from China.
“Every day more new proposals arrive.”
Porto are also in the race to secure Hulk’s services.
He spent four years with the Primeira Liga outfit between 2008 and 2012 – scoring 77 goals in 169 games in all competitions.
And he won multiple league titles during his stay and also helped the club beat Braga in the 2011 Europa League final.
At the weekend, Jimenez thanked Wolves fans for raising £20k for a banner at Molineux in his honour.
Raul Jimenez pays tribute to Wolves fans after they pay £20,000 for banner at Molineux after his horror head injury
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
