Wolves’ latest signing Pablo Sarabia has revealed Julen Lopetegui was a major factor in his decision to sign for the club.
The versatile attacker became the club’s third signing of the January window, with Wanderers paying a reported £4.4 million to Paris Saint-Germain.
Sarabia was not featuring so much at the Parc des Princes, with world-class players like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar getting most of the minutes.
So Wolves decided to swoop, and the feeling is that the club may have landed a real Joao Moutinho-style bargain.
Sarabia is hugely experienced and versatile. And perhaps most importantly, he has a proven track record when it comes to goalscoring and making assists.
The star will likely make his debut against Manchester City today.
And it’s a chance for him to become an instant favourite with the Wolves fans.
Sarabia has been speaking about his move to Wolves, and has stated that Lopetegui was a huge factor in his decision to come.
He said (Wolves official): “He was very important in the decision that I made. I used to be coached by him in various sides in the Real Madrid youth set-up. I was with him in a number of the different age groups with Spain too. So, we have some good memories working together.
“He’s always been a great coach, I really like his ideas and the style which he plays the game, and it’s true that he played a vital role in enabling me to be here at the club today.”
Lopetegui spoke about Sarabia earlier this week and believes he has the capacity to help guide Wolves away from the relegation zone.
Lopetegui lure strikes again as Pablo Sarabia praises Wolves head coach
Arguably, a player like Sarabia would not have come to Wolves had it not been for Lopetegui.
Following his season with Sporting CP, he would not have been short of suitors. Indeed, the 30-year-old supposedly turned down several other lucrative offers to join Wolves.
It is clear at this point that Lopetegui is a major pull for players.
It is a testament to Lopetegui’s coaching ability and qualities as a human being that Sarabia is keen to play for him again many years after last working with him. Clearly, the 56-year-old made a lasting impression.