Wolves are on the lookout for a new striker and Gary O’Neil should target a ‘goal machine’, who has been compared to Chelsea legend Didier Drogba.
Wolves have made a fast start to the summer transfer window by confirming permanent deals for Tommy Doyle from Manchester City and highly-rated Braga winger Rodrigo Gomes.
Doyle spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Molineux before Gary O’Neil triggered the release clause in his contract at the start of May while Rodrigo was captured on Wednesday after agreeing to a £12.7 million fee.
The 20-year-old, who has been lauded for his versatility, can play as a winger, attacking midfielder or wing-back across various systems, and looks like an excellent coup for the club.
Yet, O’Neil still has a lot of work to do in the transfer window – including at striker – where he should target a former Chelsea academy graduate.
Wolves must look at signing Tammy Abraham
According to the Telegraph, AS Roma striker Tammy Abraham has been placed on the transfer list and the Italian giants will consider bids of around £20 million.
This has alerted a plethora of Premier League clubs as Aston Villa, West Ham United and Everton are all keeping tabs on the striker.
Wolves – who are currently crying out for a number nine in the mould of Abraham – should be all over this transfer.
Previously described as a “goal machine” in the past by academy coach Stephen Elliott, the 26-year-old showcased those scoring powers in the 2021/22 campaign as his 26 goals in all competitions fired Jose Mourinho’s side to a Europa Conference League triumph.
Although he’s suffered a drop-off in form across the last two campaigns, scoring just 10 goals in 66 appearances, a return to the Premier League at Molineux could see him recapture his “phenomenal” scoring form.
Gary O’Neil could transform Tammy Abraham into a machine
O’Neil is looking for a complete forward to lead his line at Wolves.
Matheus Cunha and Hwang-Hee Chan shared those responsibilities last term however, O’Neil needs a player who can drop deeper to link play, hold up the ball superbly and make sharp movements in behind.
Standing at 6 foot 4 and possessing the searing pace, Abraham – who has previously drawn comparisons to Didier Drogba – could be exactly what Wolves need to spearhead their front line.
The former Aston Villa striker ranked in the top 8% for aerial duels won in the 2022/23 Serie A campaign and the top 10% for non-penalty xG, evincing his threat as an aerial beast but a proficient shooter of chances.
At Wolves, it is so important that they have a striker who can make it stick up top. Last season, the lack of a focal point was felt with O’Neil relying on Cunha and Hwang to do that job.
The addition of Abraham however, would alleviate those troubles by offering the Old Gold a top-quality striker for a bargain price of £20 million.