A strong January transfer window could be the catalyst for Wolves surviving in the Premier League this season.
Gary O’Neil’s future is far from uncertain at Molineux but the Englishman will be planning for the window ahead, and one position is a clear priority.
Wolves will sign a centre-back in January after conceding a league-high 38 goals in just 15 matches this term.
After failing to sign a replacement for Max Kilman, the Old Gold have seen their defensive frailties get exposed, and only signing a top defender could go a long way to fixing that issue.
So, with that in mind, Wolves should sign a player from Manchester United who could be available on the cheap next month.
Victor Lindelof of Manchester United during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Manchester United and PAOK FC at Old Traf...
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Wolves should sign Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof
Wolves need a player who can become an instant starter at Molineux and slot superbly into O’Neil’s back three.
The preference is someone with experience of playing at the highest level, and Man United star Victor Lindelof ticks that box.
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Lindelof is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford after playing just 58 minutes of league action this term, with Ruben Amorim now looking to offload him and Christian Eriksen in January.
The Swedish international, who has won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup at United, sees his contract expire in 2025 and that is a huge bonus to O’Neil.
Wolves are, of course, reluctant to spend money under Fosun, so landing the talented 30-year-old at a cut price could be a bargain.
Further, the ball-playing defender has posted some impressive metrics in the past year, ranking in the top 1% of centre-backs across Europe for aerials won, and the top 5% for clearances.
Lindelof has also displayed excellent with the ball at his feet, placing in the top 5% for pass completion, and that is a pleasing attribute for O’Neil to see.
The only issue with the Man United star is his wages, as he currently earns £120,000-per-week and that would make him the highest earner at Wolves.
What Jose Mourinho once said about Lindelof
Lindelof could be the missing piece in the puzzle at Molineux, who could help them secure their status in the Premier League for another season.
The 70-cap international has also been highly thought of at Old Trafford, and during Jose Mourinho’s tenure in charge, the Portuguese tactician waxed lyrical over him.
Speaking after United’s win over Watford in November 2017, Mourinho praised Lindelof for how he dealt with forward Richarlison, labelling him as ‘very fast’ and praising his ‘agility’, something Wolves currently lack.
“I think Richarlison is a very good player and a difficult player to play against but Victor is very fast,” Mourinho said per Sky Sports.
“He has adapted to play centrally but also to go to the sides because he’s got the agility that many of the central defenders don’t have. I think it was another very positive performance by Victor.”
Lindelof is at an age now where he needs to be playing regular first-team football and while that isn’t available at Man United, signing for Wolves could see him become a star.