Wolves are the champions of England’s second division and are on their way to competing in the Premier League next season. Granted it has been achieved by the aid of heavy investments but no one can really fault their techniques if it delivers clear results.
Nuno Santo has put together a young and talented squad which has the potential of breaking waves in the top-flight. Out of all the loan arrivals last summer, the Wanderers have hit the jackpot with Willy Boly. The Portuguese international has appeared in 35 games this season and helped them to 22 clean sheets in the league. He perfectly accentuates the games of Conor Coady and Ryan Bennett in the Wolves backline and has even gotten on the scoresheet 3 times this season.
It is being reported that the bosses at Molineux Stadium are prepared to spend £20m for Boly and Bournemouth striker, Benik Afobe. The former is scheduled to return to FC Porto come May and Santo will have to make an official approach soon.
Boly signed with the Portuguese outfit back in the summer of 2016 on a five-year contract and release clause of £40m. However, after just 8 appearances in the Primera Liga, it is expected that Porto will agree to reduce their asking price.
The 27-year-old has been capped 6 times for the France U17, U18 and U19 sides and is a product of the INF Clairefontaine. He started his professional career with AJ Auxerre and was a regular starter in the 2011-12 season. But following the relegation to the Ligue 2, Boly was sold off to SC Braga, where he spent his first season with the B team.
It would be ideal to say that the centre-back is enjoying the peak of his playing career and will be a domineering presence in the Premier League. If anything a solid defence is always key to surviving a season in the top-flight.
We have seen teams like Burnley and Newcastle United climb to unexpected heights this season just based on the defensive structure they have in place. The Clarets are competing for a European qualification spot and Rafael Benitez has successfully beaten out teams like Manchester United and Arsenal to ward off relegation concerns.
The Wolves might have backup options in Danny Bath and Kortney Hause but Boly’s starting spot is almost undisputed after this season. It would be wise to pursue a permanent deal aggressively rather than giving in to the Porto resistance.
