Wolves are still scouring the market for a Pedro Neto replacement and now one target has emerged as the top ‘priority’ for Gary O’Neil.
Wolves are preparing to face a reunion with Pedro Neto on Sunday as they host Chelsea at Molineux, just weeks after the Portuguese winger left for £54 million.
Neto was an incredible servant across his five years in Wolverhampton and leaves with him a huge void that needs filling ahead of Deadline Day.
The 24-year-old was arguably one of the most talented players ever to wear the gold strip and considering he was injured a lot, that speaks volumes of his exceptional performance.
Gary O’Neil now has the arduous task of replacing the Portugal international, with one of his targets emerging as a priority.
- READ MORE: Wolves hold ‘concrete interest’ in ‘top-class’ transfer target also wanted by Manchester United
Ajax winger Carlos Forbs now ‘priority’ Pedro Neto replacement for Wolves
Carlos Forbs, a winger Ajax signed from Manchester City last summer, was the first name linked with Wolves after Chelsea captured Neto.
Forbs was seen as the ideal replacement for Neto and was joined by other targets, including Calvin Stengs, Wilfred Zaha and Yoane Wissa who had emerged as potential successors to the talented winger.
Now, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, it’s the 20-year-old Ajax star who is a ‘priority’ signing ahead of Deadline Day.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Romano said: “Yeah, he’s [Zaha] one of the names [linked with Wolves]. But what I’m hearing is that their priority remains Carlos Borges as a winger to replace Pedro Neto. Let’s see if they can find a way with Ajax. The player will be keen on the move, keen on returning to Premier League football, but still no agreement with Ajax, so they are exploring alternatives at the moment.”
Whilst there is no agreement with the Dutch giants over a fee and personal terms, it appears that O’Neil wants the ‘exceptional’ Ajax talent to replace his star winger.
- READ MORE: Wolves target Carlos Forbs actually outperformed Pedro Neto last season in one crucial area
Why Wolves want to sign Carlos Forbs
Neto’s frightening ball-carrying will be sorely missed at Molineux, as in a counter-attacking phase, the Portuguese star could dribble the ball long distances.
He was therefore able to relieve the pressure placed on the defence and offer Wolves a huge threat in attack, similar to what Forbs would supply.
As highlighted by FBref, the 2004-born star averaged an impressive 5.11 progressive carries per game and 6.13 touches in the attacking penalty box, evincing his quality in the final third.
Wolves currently lack pace on the right flank following Neto’s departure but the arrival of Forbs, who has been described as ‘frightening’ by analyst Ben Mattinson, would soon alleviate that problem.
Indeed, the jet-heeled winger is an exciting player to watch when in top form and working under a coach like O’Neil could see him reach the ceiling of his potential.