WOLVES CLEAR THE DECKS

Well Wolves have been busy on the transfer front at least with player outgoings. This can only be a good thing, we were all concerned about Ruben Neves’ departure dragging out and Wolves trying to do their business in the dying hours of the transfer window. Although the window opened on 14th June many players are only just returning from holidays and international duty and the window doesn’t close until 1st September so Wolves do have time to make sure they spend wisely and get this window right.

So far we have seen out of contract players depart plus Ruben Neves, Conor Coady and now Nathan Collins has been added to that list, generating sales of approx. £77m and freeing up some heavy hitters on the wage front.

The only first team signing so far is Tom King an experience goalkeeper likely to be third choice but significant as it allows younger players to be loaned or sold to get the experience they need to progress their careers. Matija Sarkic was loaned to Stoke last season and they are looking to make him their permanent number one, some reports indicate that negotiations are advanced but others suggest that Stoke are considerably short on Wolves valuation for the player.

Media in Spain have included Wolves in the clubs linked with a move for Barcelona’s Nico González along with Betis and Porto being interested too. Indications are that Xavi hasn’t ruled him out from his Barcelona squad and Nico will see how preseason goes before he makes any decisions on his future.

Wolves have reportedly rejected an offer from Napoli for Max Kilman, the bid is thought to be €35m but Wolves are not prepared to consider any offers below €40m. Napoli could soon lose starting centre-back Kim Min-jae to Bayern Munich and see Kilman as a potential replacement and may well up their offer to meet Wolves demands. Other clubs have previously shown interest in the centre back and he could be the third defender out the door. Max’s former club Maidenhead United will also benefit financially from any sale.

Wolves are interested in Boca Juniors midfielder, 21 year old Cristian Medina. Reports from journalist David Ferris suggest that this is at an early stage with nothing formal being agreed, plus there is also interest from Fulham and Santos. Medina could fit the Neves mould with a good passing range and is an intelligent midfielder however work permit may be an issue with him not having any senior international experience.

Bristol City’s Alex Scott remains on Wolves radar according to The Athletic but there has been a lot of interest in the youngster. Initial indications were that Scott would be out of Wolves price range with their concerns over FFP but some good sales may mean that Wolves can stretch to get this deal done. Scott is a 19 year old midfield who has just been named Championship player of the season. West Ham and Tottenham are also linked with him.

If you had over to social media you will see a rook of Wolves fans berating the club for so many outgoings and nothing on the horizon in respect of incomings, but we have to consider that many of the fans recognised the need for a squad overhaul to resolve our goal scoring problems. In order to bring in new Wolves have to clear the decks so hold on tight Wolves fans we might have a few uncertain weeks ahead but we will only truly know where Wolves stand when the curtain closes on this transfer window.