Greek outfit PAOK have reportedly made Wolves outcast Jonny Castro Otto their priority target for the January transfer window – and they’re hoping to sign him for free.
Jonny has not been seen in a Wolves shirt since he played against Manchester City on September 30 when he came on as a substitute in the second-half.
Jonny made several matchday squads after that but on December 4, Gary O’Neil confirmed rumour that the player had been involved in a training ground incident.
Details were then shared about the incident, and the club decided to banish Jonny from the first-team picture until the end of January.
Now, it is being claimed that PAOK are hoping to land the player on a free…
PAOK want to sign Wolves defender Jonny Castro Otto on a free transfer
It has been reported today by Greek journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos of Sportime that PAOK are now hoping that they’ll be able to sign the player on a free transfer.
Chorianopoulos wrote on X earlier today: “PAOK want to sign Jonny Otto from Wolves if/when will become a free agent. Crucial next week, Otto is PAOK’s primary target. Alternative plan, an on loan deal.”
Currently, Jonny – who cost Wolves £15 million to sign permanently from Atletico Madrid – has 18 months left on his contract, which expires in the summer of 2025.
Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has refused to rule out the prospect of Jonny playing for Wolves again, saying (BBC Sport): “He is working hard to stay fit, whether that is for someone else in February or whether it is a discussion about what it looks like here, we will decide after the window.
“We are both grown-ups. We will be able to have real sensible conversations. That will be no problem. Let’s see how the next couple of weeks go.”
Wolves in a tricky spot with Jonny
PAOK may be hoping to land Jonny on a free or a loan, but it’s hard to see Wolves agreeing to either.
Jonny still has a contract with Wolves and is still a saleable asset. He won’t fetch much money, but Wolves will want to try and get some money for him if possible.
Of course, the January window can be tricky for clubs, and it may be that suitable offers for Jonny are not forthcoming.
It is not out of the question he could stay, although Wolves will surely try and work with whoever wants him to get him out of the club.
After details of the training ground incident were made public, it’s difficult to see how he can remain at Molineux, so it may be that Wanderers are willing to accept a very low fee.