Wolves’ hunt for a central defender has ended after the signing of Ladislav Krejci was announced on Thursday morning.
Krejci arrives as the first Czech to ever play for the Old Gold, after a loan move worth £6 million with a conditional obligation to buy for £20 million was agreed with Girona.
The obligation activates after a certain number of appearances are met. It is a deal structure that Wolves fans are happy has been agreed for the player, rather than a straight purchase.
The player primarily plays on the left side of central defence and is expected to provide cover and competition for Toti Gomes across the season.
Ladislav Krejci has now spoken for the first time since becoming a Wolves player, and supporters will be happy with one quality he brings with him.
Ladislav Krejci says leadership is natural for him after Wolves move
Ladislav Krejci has admitted that being a leader comes ‘naturally’ for him after signing for Wolves from Girona.
The defender has previously captained Sparta Praha in the Czech league, winning two league titles and a domestic cup as skipper.
Speaking to Wolves’ official website after signing, he said, ‘I was [captain] in my past club. I was in very, very close contact with everyone, with the teammates, with the manager, with the fans, everything.’
‘To be honest, I don’t think about it, because these things come naturally. So, I’ll concentrate on the other things at the moment.’
The Czech international will also provide a versatile option for Vitor Pereira, having played in midfield throughout the early stages of his career.
It is an asset that the player also believes will help him when playing in defence for Wolves.
Ladislav Krejci says playing in midfield will help with ball-playing from defence
Krejci’s time as a midfielder has no doubt helped his reputation as a highly capable ball-playing centre-back.
The Czech is confident on the ball, and is constantly looking to progress it further up the pitch with his passing.
The 26-year-old said, ‘I’ve learned a lot, because as a young kid I grew up as a midfielder, and in the last three, four years I played as a centre back. I think I can use my skills from the youth, what I learned in midfield in the centre back position.’
Krejci will also bring with him experience playing in the Champions League and from facing up against world-class forwards such as Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal in La Liga.
Wolves are still active in the transfer market, with a move for Tolu Arokodare viewed as separate to Strand Larsen.
So, it is still shaping up to be a very busy few days for the Old Gold.