Wolves have been bolstered their attack this summer but they shouldn’t stop there.
When Gary O’Neil arrived at Molineux last summer, Wolves had massive issues in front of goal, as in the 2022/23 campaign the Old Gold finished bottom of the scoring charts, scoring 31 in 38 matches.
There wasn’t much of a change in personnel once O’Neil walked through the door, as he was given no time or funds to make the necessary alterations.
Instead, he did fantastically well to work with what he had, turning the Wanderers into more of a free-scoring side, who netted 19 more league goals under his stewardship in 2023/24.
That was largely down to the newfound confidence and the free-flowing style he projected onto his players, with Matheus Cunha and Hwang Hee-chan both eclipsing double figures for goals.
O’Neil has built on that positivity in attack this summer by signing winger Rodrigo Gomes and striker Jogen Strand Larsen but the Wolves boss isn’t done there.
Wolves should sign Jack Clarke from Sunderland to rival Hwang Hee-chan
Hwang was a vital cog in O’Neil’s attack last term, as the 28-year-old plundered 13 goals in all competitions.
The form of the South Korean international has since alerted clubs abroad, with Marseille seeing a £21 million bid get rejected by Wolves.
Wolves are firm in their stance that Hwang isn’t for sale, and O’Neil expects him to stay following conversations, claiming ‘he’s happy, he understands his role in the team’.
The prospect of losing Pedro Neto to a Premier League rival only heightens the importance of Hwang, while it increases the need to sign a player to rival him.
Jack Clarke, a star Wolves have been linked with a lot in recent months, is someone they should capture. Last month, it was reported that O’Neil had set his sights on the 23-year-old, who could cost upwards of £20 million however, no move was made.
Now, Fosun should show further ambition in the transfer window to land the in-demand Sunderland man ahead of their rivals.
Why Jack Clarke can elevate the Wolves attack to new heights
Providing Strand Larsen is the starting striker, Wolves could do with some competition on the left flank and signing Clarke would be a smart move.
The fleet-footed wideman plundered 15 goals and supplied four assists in the Championship last term while impressing many with his ability to beat a man, as former Arsenal player Adrian Clarke labelled him ‘unplayable’.
A goal threat from wide with the capability of producing moments of magic, Clarke has earned a second shot at Premier League football after struggling during his time at Tottenham.
O’Neil could be the perfect manager to develop him to even greater heights having done so with many players in the Wolves squad.
Further, with how poor their injury record was last term, the Wanderers can ill afford to take any chances and signing a player like Clarke would represent solid business.