According to reports, Wolverhampton Wanderers are among the sides chasing the newest hot prospect in the transfer market, Jamie Hopcutt. The English midfielder’s solo goal against Galatasaray in the Europa League qualification round has kept clubs talking about the player of late with Wolves manager Nuno Espírito Santo keen on landing him.
The York City-born winger has been a phenomenon in Swedish league Allsvenskan, where he plays for Östersunds FK since he joined them back in 2012. Championship side Aston Villa and newly-promoted Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion are also keen on landing the player, which should make Wolves’ chances of landing the player very slim. However, given their brilliant buy of teen sensation Ruben Neves from FC Porto a few weeks back, Santo would be optimistic.
Wolves had a pretty underwhelming season in the Championship last season, which saw them finishing 15th in the league table with just 58 points from 46 games. Their display had been pretty mediocre with no real intent whatsoever. However, the club has been aggressive in their approach to the next season with a new manager at the helm. They have already brought in eight players this summer, focusing pretty much on their defence.
Managing to land Hopcutt, however, would be a huge upgrade for Wolves’ defence. A midfielder by nature, the Englishman is immensely versatile in the attacking third. He can play as a winger as well as a centre forward. He has scored five goals for Östersunds FK in eight games already and with the European wonder goal, fans are really excited.
The story of how Östersunds FK came across a talent like Hopcutt is quite intriguing. It was back in 2011 when Hopcutt took part in an open trial arranged by the Swedish club, just outside Birmingham. The impressive youngster was quickly signed on a three-month deal initially, which extended to two years with his phenomenal progress.
Prior to that, the York City player had had loan stints with Whitby Town and Stokesley before moving to Ossett Town. He finally joined Northern Counties East League side Tadcaster Albion in 2011. Despite being in a pretty unpopular league, his displays haven’t gone unnoticed and many English clubs are willing to bring him back to England.
Given his brilliant form, it goes without saying that Östersunds FK doesn’t want to part ways with him anytime soon. However, if reports are to be believed, the player is available for a fee in the region £1.5million, which is definitely affordable by all clubs in the Championship.
