With just over a week left before the summer transfer window closes, Wolverhampton Wanderers are still looking to make new signings.
Following the reports of winger Pedro Neto’s injury setback, the club are reportedly trying to sign a winger.
In the past week, two names have been heavily linked – Valencia’s Goncalo Guedes and PSV Eindhoven’s Noni Madueke.
Both players operate as wide-attackers but possess very different skillsets and are at different stages in their careers.
Wolves need instant impact
Wolves’ summer transfer activity suggests that they are operating on a much more limited budget.
This should not come as a surprise – the pandemic has tightened the purse strings of many sides.
Asides from Neto throw into the mix Francisco Trincao’s lack of minutes last season, Daniel Podence’s injury issues and Adama Traore’s struggles in the final-third and it shows that Wolves really need greater output from these wide areas.
Value for money therefore will be key. Reports suggest that Madueke would cost around £34million whilst Guedes would be approximately £10 million less in transfer fees.
It should be said that Guedes would likely command a much higher wage given his age.
Goncalo Guedes, 24, would offer Wolves dynamism and a wealth of experience having played for Paris Saint-Germain and Valencia.
Madueke, 19, is a product of the Tottenham Hotspur academy and has flourished since joining PSV in 2020 – scoring 14 goals since breaking into the first team last season.
Guedes’s versatility holds the key
An attribute that Guedes has is his versatility. For both club and country he has also operated as a striker.
This kind of flexibility is key for Wolves after losing Rafa Mir and Patrick Cutrone.
Guedes has also operated at a higher level, his experience at major tournaments, in top five leagues and in the Champions League suggests he will be a lower risk.
Although Madueke shows immense promise, the bulk of his performances have come in the Eredivisie. History shows that the Premier League is a considerable step-up.
Wolves also have a plethora of young burgeoning talents. Rather than acquiring another to carefully develop, what they need is somebody who can lead them, not lean on them.