The need for another attacker at Wolves is glaring, and one target linked in the last couple of weeks has been signed for £25 million, but by another Premier League side.
Vitor Pereira has assessed his squad ahead of the new season, and has identified the areas in need of investment.
The right-back was priority number one as of late, and it looks like that has been addressed with a move for Jackson Tchatchoua. In his press conference on Friday ahead of Man City, Pereira said three new signings are needed.
One of these needs to be an attacker. The depth up top is worrying and Wolves’ selling might not be done yet. But one promising target has been snapped up.
Fabrizio Romano announces Wolves target Ben Doak to Bournemouth for £25m
Ben Doak was a player attracting plenty of interest as it became clear there wasn’t a place for him at Liverpool.
Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town had bids rejected in January, and this summer, Wolves were joined by West Ham, Porto and eventually Bournemouth, in pursuit of the 19-year-old.
But it’s Bournemouth who have won the race.
The prospect of signing Doak excited Wolves fans, who are desperate for another exciting attacking addition before the end of the window. His pacey, direct play earned comparisons to Adama Traore, a player Wolves haven’t really replaced since he left.
Ben Doak could play against Wolves next weekend
As if losing out on an exciting young player isn’t bad enough, the Welshman may well be running at the Wolves defence next weekend when Wolves take on Bournemouth.
Bournemouth have lost their season opener to Champions Liverpool, and they will be desperate to make up for it with a result when they host Vitor Pereira’s side.
But that’s an eternity away in footballing logic, as the main focus is on today’s clash with Manchester City.
All eyes will be on Molineux as the team look to get the Premier League season off to a strong start.