Wolves have been dealt a further blow in their pursuit of Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto.
The transfer window has now been opened temporarily until June 10, and straight away, Wolves fans are fearing the worst.
Matheus Cunha’s long-awaited move to Manchester United was completed on Sunday, and now, star wing-back Rayan Ait-Nouri wants to join Manchester City this summer.
Hugo Bueno is a genuine contender to replace Ait-Nouri, who grabbed the most goals and assists of any defender in the Premier League in 2024/25, while Wolves will find it difficult to replace Cunha’s 17 goals.
The Wanderers have been linked with a transfer for Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss, with Brazilian talent Yuri Alberto also one of several taking their fancy.
Corinthians have shared their stance on selling Yuri Alberto
After failing in their pursuit of the 24-year-old earlier this year, Wolves were expected to return with a bid for Alberto this summer.
Corinthians have demanded £50 million for Alberto, with it seemingly unlikely the Old Gold were willing to trigger their asking price.
It was then suggested that Alberto wanted to stay at Corinthians, despite interest from several clubs, and then Alberto suffered a fracture to his vertebrae that could keep him out of action for up to 12 weeks.
By that point, Wolves will be deep into the transfer window and could have identified a different replacement for Cunha, with some comments now all but ending their interest in the striker.
Corinthians sporting director Fabinho Soldado has told Bolavip that, alongside not receiving a bid from the Premier League side, the Brazilian giants intend on keeping their prized asset.
“We’re accustomed to this every window with Yuri, right?” Soldado said.
“This is good for Corinthians. He is a great player; he is going through a great moment. Not only him, but the team has, in its squad, national team players, athletes who are being sought after. This is wonderful.
“Our intention, since the turn of the year, has been to maintain the squad. There is nothing concrete that has come to us so that we can sit down and talk. Our idea is to maintain the squad.”
Cunha’s output is incredibly hard to replace
Cunha is one of Wolves’ most technically gifted players of all time. The ability to conjure up a moment of magic in a game, as seen on numerous occasions last season, was ultimately what saved his side.
Now he’s finally moved to Old Trafford, it seems an impossible task to replace someone who netted 17 goals in all competitions without breaking the bank.
Indeed, it isn’t just his goalscoring prowess that will be missed, but his connection down the left with Ait-Nouri was so vital.
Cunha ranked first at Wolves for goal contributions, big chances created and second for touches per goal, which prove how influential he was.
So, with a transfer for Alberto now looking off the cards, the scouts at Molineux will have to dig deep to source a worthy replacement for a fair sum.