A player that Wolves targeted in 2023 is now poised to finally make a move to the Premier League but Gary O’Neil is missing out.
Gary O’Neil will be satisfied with Wolves’ start to the summer transfer window, with four players tying their futures down to Molineux so far.
Tommy Doyle, Rodrigo Gomes, Pedro Lima and Jorgen Strand Larsen represent the arrivals so far, with Max Kilman’s departure to West Ham the biggest exit in the first team to date.
While there is plenty of time left for the Old Gold to conduct further business in the market, O’Neil will be unable to secure one of the club’s previous target, despite the player being set to move to the Premier League.
Former Wolves transfer target Andre Trindade is close to joining Premier League rivals Fulham
Wolves had a list of transfer targets last summer however, due to financial restraints, Julen Lopetegui was unable to acquire the players he hoped for.
One talent linked to Molineux was Fluminense midfielder Andre Trindade, whom Bolavip claimed at the time was wanted by Liverpool, Fulham and Wolves.
The Brazilian was speculated to be a possible replacement for Ruben Neves at Wolves in the 2023 report however, the 23-year-old remained at Fluminense, despite being approached by Liverpool.
Now, it seems as though the time has finally come for the combative talent to come to the Premier League although O’Neil will not be the manager blessed with his services.
Journalist Rudy Galetti relayed this week that Fulham have reached an ‘agreement’ to the tune of £25m to sign Andre, who is poised to sign a deal at Craven Cottage until 2029.
It’s hard luck for the club’s that have appreciated the Brazilian’s form over the past year, as Fulham close in on capturing the highly-rated Fluminense gem.
Gary O’Neil could have had a Joao Gomes clone with Andre
Renowned for his warrior-like presence in midfield, Andre is a logical signing for Fulham who have just parted ways with Joao Palhinha.
The midfielder, who was described as “unbelievable” by U23 scout Antonio Mango for his strength in retaining the ball, is exactly what the Cottagers will require to cover for the loss of Palhinha.
That being said, Wolves will feel somewhat frustrated that the Brazilian isn’t heading to the Midlands this summer, being a talent who could have acted as O’Neil’s very own clone of Joao Gomes.
The Brazilian, who was signed from Wolves in January 2023, has become an integral part of the squad at Molineux, with his bullish ways in the engine room making him one of the manager’s most important players.
Last season, Gomes averaged an impressive 6.22 ball recoveries per 90 in the Premier League, a statistic that he fell short to Andre to as he recovered a stellar 6.80 per 90 in the Brazilian Serie A, via FBref.
Had Wolves maintained their interest in the defensive midfielder, O’Neil could have signed the perfect partner for his prized asset and a player who could have been the perfect successor to Mario Lemina in the pivot.
Now, the Old Gold will have to watch the progression of their former target from afar, with the duel between him and Gomes in midfield something to surely watch next term when Fulham and Wolves meet.