According to reports, Wolves have launched a club record £16m bid for Manchester City winger, Oleksandr Zinchenko. It is being said that Pep Guardiola is ready to offload the 21-year-old for the right price. According to MEN Sport, the City boss had given Zinchenko a chance to prove himself in the previous season but unfortunately, the Ukrainian could not fit himself in the club’s future plans.
Zinchenko appeared in 14 games for City last season, ironically making his debut against the Wanderers themselves in the 0-0 extra time Carabao Cup draw in October 2017. He is a product of the Shakhtar Donetsk youth academy, making his professional debut in the Russian Premier League with Ufa.
The pacey Ukrainian arrived at the Etihad for £1.5m in the summer of 2016 as one of the rising attacking talents. His primary role was that of an attacking midfielder but was later converted to a left-back by Guardiola due to his dominant left foot.
He played 8 times in the Premier League and was handed over a start in the 1-2 Champions League loss to Basel in the first knockout stage. The 21-year-old has also capped 17 times by Ukraine with 28 caps already registered for the country’s youth sides. The Citizens sent him out on loan to PSV Eindhoven in 2016/17 season to gather more playing time. Zinchenko did get to make 17 appearances during which he contributed with 4 assists but no goals.
At 21, the highly-rated attacking midfielder fits perfectly into the Wanderers’ mould in terms of potential and resale value. If the deal was to go through, it could potentially break the Molineux-based outfit’s transfer record which is currently set at £15.8m on the Ruben Neves transfer. He could add a different dynamic into Nuno Santo’s squad and could also be fielded up in front of Neves or behind the lone striker. Due to his versatility, he can be utilised on the wings as well.
Barry Douglas played most of Wolves’ games from the left wing back position the last term, setting up 14 assists. The club has also acquired Ruben Vinagre on a permanent deal who is expected to serve as a backup.
Addressing the Wanderers’ transfer activity this summer, Managing Director, Laurie Dalrymple said, “I don’t think we’ve got a huge amount to do.” Wolves have already announced the signing of Rui Patricio on a free deal and Raul Jimenez on loan from Benfica, while also taking up permanent options on Vinagre, Willy Boly, Diogo Jota and Leo Bonatini.
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Maybe Zinchenko could be the last piece to the puzzle who could tie it all together in place for the upcoming Premier League season.
