Wolves fans will be counting down the days until Mario Lemina leaves after his refusal to play against Newcastle United on Wednesday night.
Lemina was fit and available for selection against Newcastle so when Wolves’ starting lineup showed he had been excluded, questions were asked of Vitor Pereira.
Speaking to reporters after the side’s 3-0 defeat, Pereira confirmed Lemina asked not to play against Newcastle amid transfer interest from clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia.
Having little chance of finishing the season at Molineux, the 31-year-old has now edged one step closer to leaving the Old Gold.
Al Shabab make first formal approach to sign Mario Lemina
Lemina has been a transfer target for Al Shabab since the start of the window. He is also admired by Turkish club Galatasaray.
And thankfully, his antics on Wednesday appear to have sparked some movement in the ongoing saga.
According to Ben Jacobs, Al Shabab have formally approached Wolves’ owners, but with several other midfielders on their shortlist, remain unsure whether to meet the side’s £5.1 million (€6 million) asking price or not.
Although Wolves’ asking price is small change to a league as wealthy as the Pro League, hesitation over meeting the fee could suggest Al Shabab have some concerns over the player’s attitude.
Behaviour could raise transfer concerns
It looks like Lemina has already played his last game for Wolves. He’s odds-on to leave the Midlands before the end of the window but his recent behaviour must surely concern any potential buyer.
Learning a player has refused to play for his relegation-fighting team, especially when he has history of captaining them, is a huge red flag.
Regardless of if there is a lucrative contract up for grabs, Lemina would do well to remember he is still under one at Wolves — one that runs until the summer.
Perhaps Fosun should exert their authority and demote the undeserving Gabon international to the reserves for the next five months.