Wolves suffered massively last summer after failing to improve their defence, something Vitor Pereira has since rectified.
Captain Max Kilman was sold to West Ham, but despite being linked with several targets, Wolves never replaced the 28-year-old.
It left Gary O’Neil’s squad looking threadbare defensively, with only Craig Dawson, Santiago Bueno, and Toti Gomes as options once the transfer window slammed shut.
As a result, Wolves conceded goals for fun, and by the time O’Neil was sacked in December, the Wanderers had the worst defence in the division.
Fosun made the error of not backing the Englishman during the summer, and although January saw Vitor Pereira sign Emmanuel Agbadou and Nasser Djiga, they will regret missing out on one former defensive target.
Christhian Mosquera during Spain v England in UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025 Quarter-Final
Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images
Former Wolves target Christhian Mosquera now in talks with Arsenal
Reports emerged last summer that Wolves were interested in Valencia centre-back Christhian Mosquera, who was earmarked as a future replacement for Kilman.
Cristhian Mosquera seems to be so underrated/under-appreciated by the masses compared to other defenders his age.
At only 20 he’s one of the best backline aggressors of his age whilst having the quality on the ball too.
A dominant ground dueller and at wide channel defending. pic.twitter.com/Vv7MVH5D9B
— Ben Mattinson (@Ben_Mattinson_) October 30, 2024
The 20-year-old made 36 La Liga appearances in 2023/24, with talent scout Ben Mattinson lauding Mosquera as ‘dominant’ due to his height and stature.
Standing at 6ft 2in, the young Spaniard has continued to develop defensively after another solid campaign for Valencia, where he appeared 41 times in all competitions.
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Arguably one of the finest prospects currently playing in Europe’s top five leagues, Mosquera’s performances have drawn the interest of some big clubs.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal are in talks to sign Mosquera from Valencia this summer, seeing him as ideal cover for the first-choice pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba.
Reports in May indicated that the Gunners were hoping to wrap up a deal for around £17 million, which could prove to be a bargain and one that Wolves will miss out on.
Mosquera would have been an ideal Matt Doherty replacement
Matt Doherty’s transition into a central defensive role was a key catalyst behind Wolves surviving in the top flight.
The Irishman will still be a valuable option next season, but as he’s 33 and sees his contract expire in 2026, Pereira arguably needs a right-sided option to sign long-term.
As it stands, Djiga and Bueno are the backup options and with Yerson Mosquera soon to return, perhaps the need to sign someone is less pressing.
But considering Mosquera could be acquired for less than £20 million, Wolves could have made a mistake not capturing him in 2024.