Jason Denayer has been speaking about why he decided to join UAE club Al-Shabab, following a pursuit from Wolves.
The centre-back completed a move last week, which many people have found a surprise.
Denayer was a free agent after leaving Lyon in the summer.
Wolves showed interest in the Belgium international and reportedly offered him a three-year deal.
But it was reported that negotiations had reached an impasse, with Denayer seemingly unwilling to lower is demands and Wolves reluctant to increase their offer.
Fans had hoped to see the club swoop for him during the international break.
With Nathan Collins currently suspended, there is a need for another centre-half to come in.
But the move never came, and Denayer headed to Dubai.
Wolves then took on West Ham United last weekend and Bruno Lage fielded Ruben Neves and Jonny Castro Otto in defence.
Toti Gomes and Yerson Mosquera were once again both overlooked.
Denayer has now revealed why he made the move to Al-Shabab
He is quoted by Het Nieuwsblad as saying: “When I was still playing at Manchester City, the club loaned me out to Sunderland. I made that transfer because the club asked me to. We were relegated from the Premier League, we played all the time not to lose. I became very unhappy with that. I learned a lesson from it. It’s not that I felt too good for the clubs that wanted me, but they weren’t teams that were aiming for a European ticket. And I absolutely want to play to win trophies.
“I’m 27 and I have a one-year contract in Dubai. What’s the problem? There are so many players who made such a transfer and came back afterwards and performed well in Europe.”
Jason Denayer’s move to Al-Shabab feels strange, it’s a shame for Wolves
Denayer says that he was wanted by clubs that were not aiming for Europe.
But surely staying in Europe would have been the smarter play. Especially with the World Cup looming.
And if reports are to be believed, he isn’t even earning as much as one might expect going to play in the UAE.
So it is an all-round odd move from the outside looking in.
But Denayer will have his reasons and ultimately he was happy to go where he has gone, and it is a shame for Wolves.
Denayer could have come in handy, especially right now with Collins still serving his ban.
It sounds as though he only plans to spend one year with Al-Shabab. Perhaps Wanderers may try again to sign him next year.