Following a slightly underwhelming season in which it looked like Wolverhampton Wanderers could finish in the European spots, they will hope to challenge for a place in European competition next season. The season started well, however, as the season went on, Bruno Lage’s side couldn’t pick up the same results that they previously could. But who could they sign this summer to have a more successful season and how could Wolves line up next season?
Firstly, Wolves may be looking to bolster multiple positions in the squad and right wing-back could be one of them. After Norwich City’s relegation to the Sky Bet Championship, some of their players may be looking for a return to the top flight this summer, Max Aarons could be one of them. The 22-year-old had a good season in a very poor Norwich side and he also has experience at this level with two full seasons in the Premier League under his belt.
With the Canaries conceding a large number of chances per 90 due to a shaky defence, the defence had to stay robust for vast portions of their matches. According to FBref, Aarons completed 2.7 blocks per 90 which are among some of the highest in the division. Not to mention his progressive carries which are 5.4 at only 22 years old.
In recent seasons, European powerhouses such as Bayern Munich and Tottenham have been interested in Aarons’ services. However, that interest has not been followed up with official bids for the player but Aarons would likely perform better in a team that has better players around him; Wolves can certainly offer that.
Christoph Baumgartner has impressed at Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga for a few seasons now. The Austrian playmaker has gone under the radar after a great season at the PreZero Arena and despite Hoffenheim ruling out the sale of one of their star assets, a sufficient amount could tempt them otherwise.
According to FBref, Baumgartner is exceptional in the final third with stats that would frighten Premier League defenders. He took two shots per 90 last season, 0.3 non-penalty goals per 90 and 4.4 touches in the opposition penalty area per 90 – just to name a few. Also, the 22-year-old received 5.7 progress passes last season, showing that he was integral to Hoffenheim’s attacking play last season.
Wolves would do very well to secure Baumgartner’s signature this summer with a high fee likely to be demanded by Hoffenheim. However, these stats are sensational and it is no surprise the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United have been circulating. Baumgartner would likely start in the attacking midfield role at Molineux but he is also capable of playing anywhere across the front line.
Lastly, Wolves’ attacking options may need strengthening this summer as Adama Traoré looks set to depart the club permanently. A Premier League-ready player is waiting for a club to buy him in the Championship after relegation; that is Ismaïla Sarr. The Senegalese international joined Watford in 2019 for £30m, a club record fee, after a very good spell in France with Rennes. Now, he finds himself unsure whether to move on or stay in the Championship with the Hornets for another season.
Last season, Sarr scored five goals and assisted two in a disappointing Watford side. The season before in the Championship, the 24-year-old put up better numbers, with 13 goals to his name and four assists. Like many Premier League players at a club with less quality, Sarr could flourish in a better side higher up the Premier League table. He would play alongside the likes of Pedro Neto or Raúl Jiménez, but he will have to earn his spot to start under Lage.
Interest has been high for Sarr this summer with a host of clubs looking at him with a cut price fee expected to be avaible. According to Transfermarkt, Sarr is valued at £27m, however, due to the fact Watford have been recently relegated, a fee of around £20m could be enough to tempt them to sell.
But what do you think of these potential additions and where do you think Wolves will finish next season?
JP Journalism 