Wolves are expected to move for a new striker in January and maybe a wide forward too – but there is another position that Gary O’Neil may seek to strengthen.
Quite a few concerning things have happened out on the pitch so far this season, with VAR rather recking O’Neil’s maiden campaign at Molineux.
But Wolves have now had their first slightly concerning thing happen off the pitch, with Jonny Castro Otto being banished from first-team training following an incident involving the Spaniard recently.
Jonny can play games for the U21s if he makes himself available, but he won’t be involved with the first-team now until January.
This decision may suggest that Wolves will look to facilitate the player’s exit, with sporting director Matt Hobbs actually saying: “It makes sense to take it up to then (the end of January) because a lot of things can change between now and then, and then we’ll sit down, talk again and decide the way forward.”
This situation could now apparently force Wolves’ hand in the January window…
Wolves may target left-back in January after Jonny incident
According to journalist Neil Moxley, there is a chance that Wolves will strengthen at left-back in the next window because of this.
If Jonny leaves, there is a possibility that Wolves will look at getting someone in to replace him.
Moxley said (via Give Me Sport): “If Jonny goes, who has played on that left-hand side, Wolves could possibly sign a left-back in January. But I think he would be hard-pressed to get another Premier League club.”
It is understood at the moment that Jonny does not have any offers on the table from other clubs.
In the summer though, he reportedly rejected an offer from Spanish outfit Getafe in favour of staying at Wolves and fighting for his place. Fans saw that as an admirable stance at the time, but it’s a decision that did not pay off for the wing-back.
Jonny still has 18 months left on his contract at Molineux but despite that, Wolves are not expected to make too much in any sale of the player.
Jonny has been a fringe player for some time now and also has two serious knee injuries on his record in recent years.
Things up in the air after surprise Jonny development
This situation will be interesting to watch in January.
It is crazy to think that Jonny has been banished from first-team activities at Molineux, when he has been known for being a top professional at the club.
Obviously, it hasn’t come out yet what Jonny did to warrant this decision from Wolves, but it’s definitely surprising that someone like him is in this situation.
The incident aside, ideally Wolves will sell Jonny fairly quickly in January as the player has hardly played anyway this season.
It’ll be very interesting to see if another full-back does come in, because Jonny was quite unique in that he was a right-footer capable of playing on both flanks.