Wolves will look to make additions before the January transfer window closes.placeholder image
Wolves will look to make additions before the January transfer window closes. | Getty Images
Wolves may look to secure some late January transfer moves as their battle for survival continues
Wolverhampton Wanderers must launch the ultimate survival campaign if Rob Edwards’ side are to remain a Premier League outfit next season and may see the final days of the January transfer window as crucial in their goal.
The Old Gold last competed in the second tier eight seasons ago but gave themselves a mountain to climb with a nightmare start to this campaign, which saw the West Midlands outfit go winless in the league until early January.
But there has been clear improvement under Rob Edwards and, although the gap between Wolves and safety still appears insurmountable, there is enough time to turn around their fortunes – and with just days remaining in the January window, one or two key signings could prove a game-changer.
Wolves have had a quiet window so far but several reports have emerged in recent days demonstrating the club’s ambition to improve this month and continue to fight on in their quest to avoid relegation.
Wolves’ new starting XI - if transfer rumours are to be believed
Goalkeeper: Jose Sa
Defence: Yerson Mosquera, Santiago Bueno, Ladislav Krejci
Rob Edwards has appeared to have found a settled defensive unit in recent weeks, with a back five formation becoming increasingly effective and helping his side see out results in the Premier League.
Jose Sa has returned as No.1 in place of Sam Johnstone, whilst centre-back trio Yerson Mosquera, Santiago Bueno and Ladislav Krejci have all laid claim to a starting place while club captain Toti Gomes sits on the side-lines with a hamstring injury. Emmanuel Agbadou has been linked with an exit this month which could leave Wolves a man light at the back, but it is unlikely that any late defensive arrivals will disrupt Edwards’ settled back three at present.
Midfield: Jackson Tchatchoua, Joao Gomes, Angel Gomes, Mateus Mane, Hugo Bueno
Wolves have been linked with the addition of former Manchester United academy prospect Angel Gomes, with the England midfielder out of favour at Marseille at present and drawing links with a loan move to Molineux. The 25-year-old only made a handful of Premier League appearances for the Red Devils before departing for Ligue 1, starring for Lille and then moving to Marseille on a free transfer in the summer.
Gomes would certainly add something to the Wanderers midfield and help them control games in the middle of the park, competing with Andre for a place alongside Joao Gomes in the middle. Despite transfer links with the likes of Napoli, Brazil international Joao is expected to stay put until the end of the season.
New £8m striker could give Wolves extra firepower up front
Attack: Tolu Arodokare, Lassine Sinayoko
With 18-year-old wonderkid Mateus Mane likely to start in an attacking role within the five in midfield, Edwards is set to continue with a two up front and may soon have a new addition to his ranks in attack.
According to reports by GiveMeSport, Wolves have been linked with Auxerre striker Lassine Sinayoko, who shone for his native Mali with three goals in the recent AFCON. The 26-year-old is believed to cost around £8m and has also been targeted by Championship promotion contenders Coventry City and Middlesbrough.
Finding the net six times in 18 Ligue 1 games this season, Sinayoko has proven that he can score goals at the highest level and could arrive in the West Midlands to line up alongside Tolu Arodokare and replace Jorgen Strand Larsen, who has been linked with a departure from the club. Should Edwards want a different option to offer pace up front, Hwang Hee-chan also sits in waiting to make an impact.
Continue Reading