Transfer Talk: Wolverhampton Wanderers

The transfer window often sets hearts racing and palms sweating – no more so than for supporters of Wolverhampton Wanderers. In recent seasons, new signings have seemed to stagnate, with an emphasis on investing in young players for the future rather than shopping for experience. Will this January transfer window prove any different?

Historically, Wolves rarely do their best business during the January transfer window – the recent form of ‘little magician’ Daniel Podence perhaps suggesting otherwise. Taking Podence as an example, his £16.9 million pricetag is pocket change compared to the £35 million shelled out on the youngster Fabio Silva. While only 24 years old when he signed from Olympiacos, Podence was a well-experienced bargain by Wolves’ standards – one that is currently paying out in dividends. In contrast, Silva’s steep sum was seen as a long-term investment into one of Portugal’s brightest rising stars, and has not been without its critics. However, after struggling through a premature season as Wolves’ starting forward during Raul Jimenez’s recovery, it would be hard to argue against Silva’s tenacity and efficacy on the pitch this year.

Despite the record-breaking sum paid for Silva (not to mention his wages), these sort of signings are Fosun’s bread and butter. See also: Ki-Jana Hoever, Rayan Aït-Nouri, and Yerson Mosquera. Players such as Pedro Neto and, of course, Ruben Neves are successful case studies of this business model. The less said about Patrick Cutrone, the better.

Wolves have pulled out another classic from the Fosun playbook, signing Japanese midfielder Hayao Kuwabe from Swiss club Grasshoppers. This looks like an exciting move, locking down an experienced international player who has been enjoying a dazzling season in Zurich, but long-time Wolves fans will know by now that the story doesn’t end there. We may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Kuwabe off the bench this month, but he will more than likely be sent back to Grasshoppers on loan for the rest of the season.

Renewed rumours mean renewed hope for bringing Renato Sanches to Wolves – arguably Portugal’s most impressive player during the EUROs last year. Wolves have been linked with the Lille midfielder since the summer, by virtue of shared agent Jorge Mendes, but similar transfer rumours connecting him with his former club Bayern Munich and Liverpool bring a Wolves move into doubt. Couple this with his recent injuries, and this may be one signing that is still out of reach for Wolves fans.

However, while the price tag for Sanches may seem deterrent enough, the news that Wolves’ £25 million bid for Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile was recently rejected has inspired new hope in the fanbase that the club seemingly does have some cash to burn. Whether they choose to use it on a fresh bid for Badiashile in the summer or splash out on Sanches is still anyone’s guess.

Possibly the strongest transfer rumour of the window so far is the recent story that Wolves have been sniffing around 21-year old forward Chiquinho from Estoril. For a reported fee of £3 million, the addition of Portugese youngster Chiquinho is a very Fosun-esque business move and will hopefully satsify Bruno Lage’s ambition of adding a new winger to the squad.

It’s no secret that Adama Traore is still yet to sign a new contract with Wolves. A player as dynamic and talented as he is frustrating, Adama Traore is rarely out of discussion by those who follow the Premier League. Despite frequent moments of agnoy for Wolves supporters, Traore is still the only player at the club, and maybe in the league, that is capable of producing those moments of magic. A fan favourite for many and a player who has drawn immense praise from all parts of the footballing spectrum, could January be the month that Traore hangs up the Old Gold and starts getting greased up for another club?

While no serious bids have been disclosed, Tottenham have made their interest in Adama Traore abundantly clear, even reportedly throwing former Wolves man Matt Doherty into the mix as a sweetener. Tottenham swapping Matt Doherty plus cash for Adama Traore is an obvious win-win scenario for them, but I fail to see how enticing an offer that is to Wolves – not least because of Nelson Semedo’s recent impressive form in Doherty’s position. However, that is not to say that we won’t see Adama in Spurs colours before the start of next season. If the Chiquinho deal comes off and Traore is still reluctant to re-sign with Wolverhampton Wanderers, this heavyweight winger’s future will become increasingly uncertain. But, if yesterday’s redemption goal is anything to go by, it may be worth Wolves hanging on to him for at least a bit longer.

Of course, no transfer window would be complete without a flurry of rumours suggesting that the so-called ‘big clubs’ are out to poach Wolves’ star boy Ruben Neves out from under them. Manchester United are looking to solve their crisis in midfield by adding Ruben Neves to their books, and who could blame them after he embarrassed them so throughly in that 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford – a scoreline that flattered them. Chelsea and Arsenal are also reportedly interested in the 24-year old midfielder, though there seems to be a lot less weight behind these reports.

Regardless of how much stock there is in any of these rumours, Bruno Lage, the squad, and certainly the Wolves fans have committed themselves to keeping Ruben Neves at the club. With a contract running until 2024, a history of performing in the EUROPA League, a family based in Wolverhampton, a Wolves tattoo, and a self-professed love of the club, the city, and the people, it’ll certainly take a lot more than £35 million to entice Ruben away – for now at least.

However the January transfer window pans out for Wolves, the future certainly seems bright at the club. Fans are enjoying an 8th place position in the table, a promising run in the FA Cup, and a more positive style of play. Despite a shaky start to the season, Bruno seems to have got the measure of the players and the fans, and is starting to deliver.

Hwang Hee Chan got off to a good start since joining on loan, and it is looking likely that he will sign on a permanent basis if he maintains his run of good form when he returns from injury. 2022 will also see the return of some other fan favourites following injury, most notably the wonderkid Pedro Neto, the consistent Jonny Otto, and big Willy Boly. Throw in the grand return of the Moroccan Maldini, Romain Saiss, after the Africa Cup Of Nations and you’ve got a healthy looking squad.

Many Wolves fans were disappointed at Technical Director Scott Sellars’ remarks suggesting Wolves prioritise returning players over new signings. If Wolves continue their winning ways, hold on to those key players, welcome back their missing talent, and somehow manage to make a signing or two, I don’t think Wolves fans could have too much to complain about.

We’ll find something, though.

Header credit: Wolves Fancast