Wolves are expected to make more moves this summer in the transfer window, as Gary O’Neil eyes replacements for two first-teamers.
On Sunday, it was announced that Pedro Neto had joined Chelsea in a transfer worth £54m from Wolves.
Gary O’Neil will now be scanning the market for a suitable replacement for the winger, as well as continuing his hunt for a defensive figure to fill Max Kilman’s void.
The defence in particular needs attention before deadline day, with Wolves having just four centre-backs to take into the 2024/25 campaign.
- READ MORE: Pedro Neto sends emotional farewell letter to Wolves fans after completing £54m move to Chelsea
Wolves to miss out on centre-back transfer target Oumar Solet
One player Wolves have been linked to this summer is RB Salzburg centre-back Oumar Solet.
Solet was named a ‘primary target’ for Wolves, being the preferred candidate to replace Kilman in central defence.
Unfortunately, the Old Gold are now set to miss out on the chance to sign the Frenchman, as Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg has confirmed.
Taking to X on Monday morning, Plettenberg confirmed that Solet has a “medical booked” after reaching an agreement to join Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim.
The proposed transfer fee is said to be in the region of just £5m, making for frustrating reading from a Wolves point of view, who have missed out on the chance to acquire a highly-rated defender.
Solet transfer decision is disappointing for Wolves
With the Premier League opener against Arsenal fast approaching, O’Neil is facing the prospect of entering the season with limited options in defence once again.
The return of Yerson Mosquera from his loan spell at Villarreal is a positive however, due to Kilman’s departure, there remains only four centre-backs available to the boss.
- READ MORE: What Wolves fans can expect from Yerson Mosquera this season as ‘excellent’ expert verdict given
Signing Solet would have not only bolstered the depth in the squad but also the quality of the options in central defence, with the 24-year-old having Champions League experience.
As per FBref, in the 2022/23 Champions League, the Wolves target tackled 100% of dribblers that attempted to pass him, telling of his stature in the heart of defence at the highest level in European football.
It’s an even greater shame when revising the price that Hoffenheim have secured Solet for, with very few defenders of his calibre available for a fee as low as £5m this summer.
For Wolves, the hunt for a new centre-back continues as time is ticking in the build up to deadline day.