Wolves were in the market for a new striker in the 2023 summer window.
Raul Jimenez and Diego Costa both left Molineux, leaving Matheus Cunha, a rehabilitating Sasa Kalajdzic and a returning from loan Fabio Silva as the only options up top.
Wolves attempted to sign Che Adams on loan from Southampton on deadline day to bolster the pool of options a little.
The Saints stood firm though. As did Salernitana, when Wolves went after Boulaye Dia.
But before those two, Wolves were looking at Viktor Gyokeres, who had just finished a marvellous season with Coventry City that culminated in the club narrowly missing out on promotion to the Premier League.
Wanderers were heavily linked, but it was Sporting CP who won the race – and it’s already looking like Wolves missed out…
Former Wolves target Viktor Gyokeres is already shining for Sporting CP
Sporting landed Gyokeres for a reported initial fee of €20 million. The final fee could go as high as €24 million with add-ons (just under £21 million in total).
And he has quickly set about making an impression.
Gyokeres has made nine appearances so far across all competitions. And he’s scored eight goals – six in the Portuguese league and two more in the Europa League.
Sporting are still unbeaten in the league and are top of the pile, one point ahead of Benfica. And Gyokeres is already a key player.
Gyokeres is currently on international duty with Sweden, where his teammate Dejan Kulusevski – of Tottenham Hotspur – raved about him.
He said (via A Bola): “I know him, we were at the same club together. He’s incredibly strong and good at duels. It’s very good and I’m happy because things are going well for him at Sporting.
“He faces a lot of duels and that frees us up for other tasks, such as finding spaces. He’s a complete player. He’s very strong, fast and good in depth.”
Gyokeres looks a gem – Wolves may have missed out
Gyokeres’ start at Sporting is a little uncomfortable considering Wolves were really keen to sign the player.
Ultimately, Wolves just weren’t really in a position financially at the time to sign him.
Upon signing for Sporting, Gyokeres did suggest that Wolves had shown interest when he talked about ‘other options’ he had.
It’s a shame Wolves were not able to buy him, because he really does look a top talent.
Wolves had improved in the final third of late, but the team arguably does still lack that real killer in front of goal.