GEORGE LAKIN EXAMINES WOLVES DEFENSIVE DILEMMA
Mosquera Sidelined; Do Wolves need defensive reinforcements? The free agent market may offer a short-term solution, but options are limited.
It looks highly likely Wolves will be without Yerson Mosquera for a considerable period, leading many to now ask: are we in a defensive crisis? Reports suggest Mosquera has suffered an MCL (medial collateral ligament) injury, with possible ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) damage. MCL injuries usually take 6-8 weeks to heal, but if the ACL is involved, recovery could take 6-9 months. Mosquera had been one of the bright spots this season, showing great promise especially alongside Craig Dawson, where he has looked increasingly composed after something of a rash start against Arsenal at The Emirates. The pair seemed to compliment one another, looking -on the whole- well balanced, and they were beginning to form a solid partnership- becoming increasingly accustomed to one another’s games. His absence couldn’t come at a worse time, with Wolves already struggling defensively, having already conceded 13 goals this season— 4 of those from set-pieces—and sitting at the bottom of the Premier League table.
In this time of defensive desperation, the name on many fans’ lips is Joel Matip, released by Liverpool in the summer and still without a club, he has been touted as a potential free signing- a market Wolves are no strangers to dipping into when the chips are down (Diego Costa anyone?) Sadly, due to the squad’s non-homegrown (HG) restrictions, this is a non-starter until January. Wolves have filled all their non-HG slots, and frustratingly, 2 spots belong to the long-term injured Boubacar Traoré and Sasa Kalajdžić, who are both unlikely to feature until the new year. This was known to the club prior to them being named, meaning you have to question the logic. Matip’s own injury record also poses a risk; he hasn’t played since Liverpool’s victory over Fulham at Anfield in early December ‘23 due to a cruciate ligament tear. So there are clear questions about his fitness, and Matip’s wage demands would likely be around £90k a week—on par with Wolves’ top earners like Pablo Sarabia—making this move unlikely, even in January when we could potentially reshuffle our squad to make space for him. All in all -largely due to myriad reasons discussed above- this feels highly unlikely. So, what genuine and much more realistic options remain?
Step forward, Paul Dummett. At 32, Dummett isn’t a flashy name with a big future, but he’s a dependable (and crucially, ‘homegrown’) pro with plenty of Premier League experience. Wolves have named only 7 HG players in a squad of 24; 8 HG in a squad of 25 are allowed. That means we are permitted one more space for a HG player (who can be added at any time.)
Released by Newcastle United this summer, Dummett had been a key player, making over 200 appearances across a decade, captaining the side, and always being reliable when called upon. Last season, he featured five times in a Newcastle squad that finished in the top seven. Released as part of Newcastle’s summer refresh, Dummett remains a player with plenty to offer and could be a practical option for Wolves.
Dummett was close to a Championship move recently, but nothing materialised, making him a viable option for Wolves’ much needed defensive cover. He can play both CB and LB—two areas Wolves are currently lacking depth, and exactly the profile of player the club publicly stated they were targeting in the dying embers of the summer transfer window.
It’s clear that Dummett ticks a lot of boxes, and his experience and leadership would bring a steadying presence. A short-term deal, similar to the one handed to Diego Costa last season, would be low risk and inexpensive, as Dummett is unlikely to have excessive wage demands. Furthermore, Dummett’s agent (Unique Sports Group) also represents Wolves’ recent signings Sam Johnstone and Tommy Doyle, suggesting negotiations could be straightforward with a working relationship already in place.
Dummett’s arrival could be especially crucial if Wolves decide to switch to a back five, a system that many fans attribute to tightening up the defence in previous seasons. This formation of course requires three centre-backs, and currently, Wolves have just three fit senior options available: Santi Bueno, Dawson, and Toti. One more injury or suspension, and Wolves could be forced to rely on youth players like Alfie Pond or Bastien Meupiyou. Although Pond performed relatively well against Brighton in the Carabao Cup, Wolves will be cautious about throwing young players into the Premier League spotlight too soon, especially after last season when injuries led to a similar situation, and several young players were thrust into high-pressure roles, which arguably hindered their development more than helped.
Given Wolves’ precarious position, Dummett represents a safe, smart insurance policy: a reliable veteran who can steady the ship when it’s most needed. One more injury at the back, and Wolves are looking seriously exposed; Dummett might not set the world alight, but right now, he might just be the best—and only—option we have.
ARTICLE BY GEORGE LAKIN
George fell in love with Wolves the moment Colin Cameron fizzed one into the bottom corner against Plymouth Argyle on the 31st December 2005- during his first ever Wolves game as a child.
He loves digging a little deeper when it comes to Wolves, often conducting his own research to help him read between the lines and increase his knowledge and understanding of all aspects of our great club. He is keen to share his insight and findings with fans who share in his biggest love, -after his lovely wife, Amy and little boy, Tommy of course!- our mighty Wolverhampton Wanderers!
George is passionate about reaching and uniting all corners of the Wolves family, young and old, near and far. So make sure you don’t miss his weekly column exclusively for Always Wolves this season!
