Wolves reportedly rejected a permanent move from Villarreal for Yerson Mosquera in January, with reports revealing the Spanish club’s desire to buy the 22-year-old.
Wolves failed to make any permanent signings in the January transfer window amid the club’s financial worries although, there was still a considerable amount of movement at Molineux.
Following the conclusion of his loan at MLS side FC Cincinnati, defender Yerson Mosquera briefly returned to Wolves, before being shipped back on loan to join Villarreal for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign.
The 22-year-old joined the Old Gold from Colombian side Atletico Nacional in the summer of 2021, spending time developing in the academy before his loan to the United States was sanctioned.
Deployed at centre-back, Mosquera is yet to make a senior appearance for his parent club, although those at Molineux are said to value the Colombia international very highly, according to reports in Spain.
Yerson Mosquera has a future at Wolves after Villarreal loan
As reported by Spanish outlet El Periodico Mediterraneo, relayed by Sport Witness, Villarreal were keen to sign Mosquera permanently from Wolves in January rather than just the loan deal that was sanctioned.
The Spanish outfit reportedly offered the Premier League side a fee for the defender, as well as offering an option to buy clause as part of the loan deal, requests that were not entertained by Wolves.
Sports Witness cites that the Midlands club are ‘aware of the potential of the modern defender’, adding that they ‘refused’ to submit to Villarreal’s wishes in the January window, with Mosquera’s potential considered to soon be Premier League worthy.
It appears that Gary O’Neil sees the ability of the 6 foot 2 centre-back, who is gaining experience in one of the top leagues in Europe for the remainder of this season.
What the future could hold for Yerson Mosquera at Wolves
Speaking on the 22-year-old’s early impressions in Spain, veteran defender Raul Albiol expressed his delight in playing with the Wolves loanee who he insists has a “great future” awaiting him.
Albiol isn’t the only figure to have praised the towering centre-back, who was dubbed a “dominant” asset at the back by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
For Wolves, there is a debate to be had over the future look of O’Neil’s back three, with Craig Dawson being efficient but past his prime, and Toti Gomes unreliable at times, presenting a potential gap for a talent like Mosquera to make his own.
The Colombian is an assured presence to have in the box, as highlighted by his average of 3.40 aerial wins per 90 in the MLS last season, ranking him in the top 5% of centre-backs in the league in 2023, via FBref.
It will be interesting to follow Mosquera’s progress in Spain prior to his return to Wolves, where his future looks bright.