Wolves transfer news: Midfielder with 13 senior appearances leaves for Portuguese side

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter

Published: July 18 2025 | 16:15

Last updated: July 18 2025 | 16:31

Wolves confirm departure of 13-game midfielder to Portuguese side

Wolverhampton Wanderers announce that they have parted ways with Joe Hodge on a permanent basis, the midfielder linking up with a Portuguese side.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have confirmed that midfielder Joe Hodge has left the club on a permanent basis.

Hodge made the move to Molineux in 2021 having failed to make the grade at Manchester City and he initially spent time in the academy ranks.

However, the departure of Bruno Lage in October 2022 led to a surprise debut for the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international.

Despite racking up 13 appearances under caretaker boss Steve Davis, Julen Lopetegui and Gary O'Neil, Hodge was not earning enough senior minutes and was subsequently loaned to Queens Park Rangers in the 2024 winter transfer window.

That effectively brought an end to his chances of forging a career at Wolves and the decision has been made to allow the 22-year-old to leave on a free transfer, despite two years having remained on his contract.

Hodge heads to Primeira Liga

Wolves have revealed that Hodge has completed a transfer to Tondela, who won Portugal's second-tier title in 2024-25.

Hodge makes the switch to Tondela having accumulated 27 appearances in League One last season with Huddersfield Town.

Having only made 48 senior appearances just two months short of his 23rd birthday, Hodge is hoping that the move will lead to regular action in Primeira Liga.

Although not specified by Wolves, the Premier League outfit are expected to possess a sell-on clause.

Pereira desperate for signings

While Hodge was never in contention to feature for Wolves under Vitor Pereira, it is a further example of Fosun International attempting to clear the decks when it comes to players not in the Portuguese's plans.

When considering first-team and academy squad members, as many as 19 players have left on permanent, loans or free transfers.

Earlier this week, Pereira suggested that he was becoming frustrated with Wolves only making the one senior addition thus far, that being young Spanish playmaker Fer Lopez from Celta Vigo.

Fluminense winger Jhon Arias is expected to sign for Wolves in the coming days, however, in a move that Pereira and supporters hope will act as a catalyst for more fresh faces.