Adama Traore was linked with a move away from Wolverhampton Wanderers over the summer but ended up staying and finds himself a regular under Nuno Espirito Santo this season.
Javier G. Matallanas of AS said the 24-year-old came ‘very close’ to leaving, however, as Juventus wanted him to replace Douglas Costa who joined Bayern Munich on loan.
Why did the move fall through?
Juventus lined up a move for Federico Chiesa to replace Costa and had Traore as a secondary option if their pursuit for the former fell through. The Old Lady managed to agree a two-year loan deal with Fiorentina for Chiesa, however, so they didn’t need Traore in the end.
Juve will pay €10m (£9.1m) for Chiesa over the two years – €3m (£2.7m) this season and €7m (£6.36m) next. The Old Lady are obligated to sign him permanently in 2022 for €40m (£36.35m) too. There could be another €10m on performance bonuses, so the entire package could cost €60m (£54.5m).
Chiesa has scored one goal and made one assist in three Serie A games prior to his Juve move, so he certainly impressed in his audition.
What next for Wolves and Traore?
We’re not out of the woods yet. AS say Juventus could return for Traore next season, so we may need to tie him down to a new deal to end the transfer talk.
The Spanish international made 54 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring six goals with 12 assists, creating 48 chances, making 184/247 successful dribbles and whipping in 183 crosses, which is what led to so much interest abroad.
Nuno Espirito Santo isn’t short of options with Daniel Podence, Pedro Neto, Fabio Silva and Vitinha at his disposal, but we couldn’t afford to lose Diogo Jota and Traore in the same transfer window.
Summary
Wolves’ Loan Pathway Manager Seyi Oliginjana said in May that Traore could “leave any day”, but he looks set to stay for the season. And although AS think Juventus will return for the 24-year-old, the Old Lady don’t necessarily need him with Chiesa, Juan Cuadrado, Dejan Kulusevski and Federico Bernardeschi at their disposal out wide.
