Wolverhampton Wanderers are expected to sign another centre-back this summer as they’re short on natural options. The Midlands outfit have looked to advisor and agent Jorge Mendes when searching for recruitments, so which of his clients could they sign?
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Tim Spiers said in a Q&A that Ruben Dias would be an ideal signing for Wolves, but he may prove an expensive acquisition at £50m.
As per WhoScored, the 22-year-old has won 51 aerial duels (56.67%), completed 88.8% of his 1538 passes, blocked 23 shots/passes/crosses, made 66 clearances and averaged a tackle (32) or interception (22) every 40 minutes. He’d certainly improve Wolves’ defence.
Gabriel Paulista has been a regular for Valencia since 2017 and has become a solid defender after leaving Arsenal. As per WhoScored, the 29-year-old has won 59 aerial duels (57.8%), completed 88.7% of his 1275 passes, made 111 clearances, blocked 35 shots/crosses/passes and averaged a tackle (20) or interception (42) every 34 minutes.
Nicolas Otamendi was linked with a move to Wolves last summer, but nothing came of the rumour. Whether he’d consider a switch to Molineux now remains to be seen as it’s unlikely that Wolves will return for a 32-year-old who is often criticised for his performances.
Ruben Vezo has a wealth of experience and made 84 appearances for Valencia before joining Levante, but it remains to be seen if he’s on Wolves’ radar. The 25-year-old has made 19 Liga appearances this season but has been on the winning team only once since November 2019 and has shut out just three sides.
Ezequiel Garay isn’t getting any younger and has been struggling with a serious knee injury since February, but he could be available on a free transfer over the summer and has a lot of experience to bring to Wolves’ defence.
As per Transfermarkt, the 33-year-old has made 136 appearances for Benfica, 114 for Valencia, 98 for Racing Santander, 75 for Zenit St. Petersburg and 31 for Real Madrid. There may not be value in signing Garay, however.
Nuno Espirito Santo has Conor Coady, Max Kilman and Willy Boly at his disposal but has been forced to use Leander Dendoncker and Romain Saiss in a makeshift role due to a lack of depth. They may not have Ryan Bennett and Dion Sanderson to choose from next season either.
Bennett is currently on loan at Leicester City and has a buying option attached to his contract while Sanderson is expected to be loaned out next season as he’s deemed not ready for the first-team.
Wolves have been linked with Manchester City’s Tosin Adarabioyo and Galatasaray’s Christian Luyindama among others, but it remains to be seen who they’ll finally bring in to strengthen the defence.
None of the above, plain and simple!