Wolverhampton Wanderers were one of the busiest teams in the transfer market this summer, signing no less than six players in the first-team. In total, they spent almost €100 million, and it looks like Nuno Espirito Santo is ready to guide Wolves among the elites of English football. In this article, we will be rating all of their new arrivals and how they could benefit the team in the upcoming campaign.
Raul Jimenez
Raul Jimenez is one of two players that have been retained by Wolves in lieu of a transfer fee of €38 million – making him the club’s most expensive signing. The Mexican international enjoyed a productive 2018/19 campaign, scoring 13 goals and providing eight assists in 38 league matches.
Jimenez can provide the physical presence in the final third while his work-rate is better than most other Premier League attackers. He is sure to retain his role as the primary number nine, having already hit the ground running with three goals in four matches in the UEFA Europa League qualifying stages. Hence, he is money well spent as far as Wolves are concerned.
Rating: 10/10
Pedro Neto
Pedro Neto arrived from Lazio for a fee of €18.3 million. He is a right-winger by trade, and although he featured in just four Serie A matches last season, he has shown tremendous potential in his performances in the youth leagues.
At the age of 19, Neto is one for the future and is unlikely to make an immediate impact at the Molineux. And this makes him a slightly risky signing for Wolves especially for a fee close to €20 million.
Rating: 7/10
Patrick Cutrone
Patrick Cutrone was one of the biggest coups for Wolves in this transfer market. The Italian international arrived from AC Milan for a fee of €18 million, which is quite decent for a player who has scored 27 goals in 90 competitive matches for the Rossoneri.
He did, however, score only three league goals last season. But, that is mainly due to his lack of opportunities in the first-team as the 21-year-old only received 12 starts. Under Espirito Santo, the Italian is expected to play a key role alongside Jimenez in the attack. His pace and tenacity could add more bite to the Wolves attack – making him an excellent signing.
Rating: 8/10
Leander Dendoncker
Leander Dendoncker didn’t play a vital role for Wolverhampton last season, mustering only 1,469 minutes of league football. But, the Belgian provided the much-needed depth in the midfield and defensive department. He also became a first-team regular for the Wolves during the backend of last season.
Dendoncker’s versatility, coupled with his composure, could be useful for the team and for a fee of just €13 million, the 24-year-old could prove to be a bargain signing.
Rating: 8.5/10
Bruno Jordao
Bruno Jordao is the second Lazio player to have joined Wolves this summer. And much like his teammate Pedro Neto, he too didn’t play a lot of senior football last season. But at the age of 20, he has shown immense promise and is a future investment for the club.
Rating: 7/10
Jesus Vallejo
Following his breakthrough at Eintracht Frankfurt, Jesus Vallejo never really managed to make a mark in Real Madrid. But, Wolves, it seems, have offered the Spaniard the opportunity to showcase his talents in the Premier League by signing him for a season-long loan deal.
Vallejo will offer cover for the defensive trifecta of Willy Boly, Conor Coady and Ryan Bennett. But, given the importance of squad rotation in this strenuous schedule of English football, we expect the young defender to receive a handful of opportunities. It is, however, unlikely that the 22-year-old will be able to make an impact.
Rating: 7.5/10
