Wolves have confirmed that right-back Ki-Jana Hoever has joined Auxerre on loan for the 2024/25 campaign.
It was always expected that Wolves were going to part ways with Hoever once again this summer, as the defender looks to gain vital experience.
The 22-year-old signed for the Midlands club from Liverpool back in 2020 and has since embarked on loan spells at both PSV Eindhoven and Stoke City.
After spending 18 months in the Championship with Stoke over the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns, the decision has been made for the Dutchman to go out on loan once more.
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Why Ki-Jana Hoever has left Wolves to join Auxerre on loan
While the news of Hoever leaving Molineux for the season hasn’t come as much of a shock, the destination is a surprise to many.
It was reported that Hoever was set to join Sheffield United for the campaign ahead, with a return to Stoke City also rumoured over the summer.
Instead, the 22-year-old has joined French club Auxerre, who have just been promoted to Ligue 1, giving the defender a fresh challenge to face away from the English second-tier.
Speaking after the right-back’s loan move was announced, Wolves’ head of professional football development Matt Jackson revealed the reasons for Hoever’s exit to Auxerre, as per Wolves’ official website.
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“Ki has developed on his previous loans and he’s maturing all the time. He’s been very good during pre-season with Gary and his staff, but we just feel a different challenge in France will be best for his own personal development,” Jackson explained.
“He showed with Stoke that he has the ability to really affect the Championship, but what he’s got to do now is progress even further and take his game to the next level in one of the top five leagues in Europe.”
Jackson’s admission rings true, with the stakes set to be incredibly high for Hoever in the French top tier with the newly promoted side.
Wolves have a plan for Hoever
Despite the potential that the defender has been showing over the years at Stoke, it’s clear that he is not yet at the level required to compete in O’Neil’s squad.
That being said, there’s also no sign of Wolves giving up on the player, who was handed a contract extension as he walked out of the door to join Auxerre.
The campaign ahead could be crucial to the 22-year-old’s future at Wolves, with there plenty for him to play for with an eye on making a breakthrough in O’Neil’s side.
Hoever only has to look at the likes of Yerson Mosquera to gain inspiration from his time away from the Old Gold, with the Colombian emerging as a new starter for the Midlands club following spells in the MLS and LaLiga.
Gaining experience at senior level is crucial for upcoming stars, with the chance to shine in Ligue 1 the perfect opportunity for Hoever to attack.