Wolves and Tondela dispute puts Joe Hodge's Scottish Premiership move on the line

Joe Hodge's switch to the Scottish Premiership is hanging in the balance after a disagreement between Wolves and Tondela over the midfielder's contract. The 23-year-old Republic of Ireland international is expected to move on after Tondela's relegation from the Primeira Liga, but it is understood a deal to take him to Scotland has hit a wall. Hodge joined Tondela from Wolves in the summer of 2025 after making six Premier League appearances for the club and spending loan spells at QPR and Huddersfield. His form this season has caught the attention of several suitors, including sides in Portugal's top flight, with a Scottish move emerging as the most likely option until talks stalled. The sticking point is a sell-on clause Wolves included when they allowed Hodge to move to Portugal. That clause is now causing friction between the two clubs. There is still hope of a compromise that would let the transfer proceed, but without one the deal could fall through. A product of Manchester City's academy, Hodge was part of the side that beat Chelsea 3-2 in the 2020 FA Youth Cup final, alongside Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Liam Delap. He has represented Ireland through the youth ranks and captained the Under-21s before making his senior debut in June during a 1-1 friendly draw with Canada in Montreal. Hodge has built a reputation as a high-energy, box-to-box midfielder and has been a popular figure at Tondela. He played a central role in draws with Benfica and Sporting CP last season, though he could not keep the club in the Primeira Liga after a 17th-place finish. With interest in Hodge high following relegation, a summer departure remains likely. The midfielder is open to a move to Scotland, but only if the clubs can settle the standoff.