Report: Wolves make transfer decision on 20 y/o, will loan out defender next season
According to Football Insider, Wolverhampton Wanderers have made a decision on Dion Sanderson’s short-term future – the 20-year-old will be loaned out next season to continue his development.
Wolves believe in Sanderson’s ability but think a loan move is the best option to ensure he’s getting regular playing time as he isn’t quite ready for first-team football.
The Englishman has made just one senior outing for Wolves, starting in their EFL Cup defeat to Aston Villa in October, so it’s unlikely Nuno Espirito Santo would thrust him into the first-team so soon.
Wolves are expected to sign a centre-back to accompany Conor Coady, Willy Boly and Max Kilman this summer, so Sanderson may have to bide his time before being in contention of a permanent call-up. That being said, he’s taken his chance to impress at Cardiff with both hands.
The 20-year-old has spent the last two months in the Welsh capital, making three appearances before the Covid-19 postponement. He was overlooked by Neil Harris for a number of weeks but was a regular in the starting lineup before the season was halted.
As per WhoScored, Sanderson has made three Championship outings for Cardiff, winning seven aerial duels (70%), completing 68.8% of 77 passes, making four successful dribbles (100%), averaging a tackle (5) or interception (8) every 20 minutes and making eight clearances.
Football Insider say he’s attracted interest from Cardiff, Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday, Brighton & Hove Albion and Huddersfield Town, so Sanderson should have his pick of clubs over the summer.
Wolves will only entertain a loan deal, however, as they’re convinced he’ll soon be challenging for a place in the first-team.