Wolves have been setback once more in their attempt for a replacement striker as Nelson Oliveira has revealed that he will be staying at AEK Athens.
Greek outlet Page News (via Sport Witness) have claimed that despite the Premier League side having a genuine interest in the 28-year-old as a backup to Raul Jimenez, the player has made it clear that he wants to stay within the capital and continue to play for the Yellow-Blacks.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team have desperately needed cover for the centre-forward position ever since Patrick Cutrone departed the club. Now, with Jimenez the only first-teamer who is a striker by trade, they find themselves with just a few days to find someone who could potentially step in for the Mexican if he was to get injured.
Wanderers have shown interest for a week or so now, and the report from Sport Witness states that an offer was previously made, however, it totalled just €4m – €2.5m short of the player’s €6.5m release clause.
Considering the club refused to up that bid by just €2.5m – hardly a lot for a Premier League club, let alone one with the wealth of Wolves’ owners – then you get the impression that they weren’t too desperate for him after all.
Would you have taken Nelson Oliveira?
No, he's simply not good enough
Yes please, we need a striker
Only if we can't find someone else
Some reports had claimed that the striker was keen for a move back to England, but now his latest comments suggest that this isn’t so true.
Speaking to Sportime, via Sport Witness, the 28-year-old said: “I’ve realised that people are saying I’m not happy at AEK but that’s not true. These reports have saddened me because I very much love the club and the fans. I’m always giving my best for the team and I will continue to do that.”
Even if the Portuguese man is far from the most inspiring signing, he is an option nonetheless. The club essentially has two days to find this striker replacement or they could be in some serious trouble.
With Wolves fighting it out at both the top of the Premier League as well as the final 32 of the Europa League, it is crucial that they find someone who could at least replace the forward without the system needing an overhaul. Latest signing Leonardo Campana could be that, however, it is assumed he will be starting in the U23s as he tries to get to the pace of English football.
