Transfer News

Wolves set sights on £12m ‘primary target’ as Gary O’Neil eyes a Max Kilman replacement

Wolves are looking to get more business done in the transfer market before deadline day, with the defence now a priority.

Gary O’Neil and Matt Hobbs got to work fast at the start of the summer, welcoming three new faces to bolster Wolves’ squad. 

Rodrigo Gomes, Pedro Lima and Jorgen Strand Larsen arrived to hand the manager added depth, with the Old Gold’s work in the market far from over.

After losing captain Max Kilman to West Ham, it’s said that the Midlands club have turned their attention to signing a new centre-back, with one target now identified.

LASK v FC Red Bull Salzburg - Admiral Bundesliga
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Wolves make centre-back Oumar Solet their primary transfer target

Offloading Kilman to West Ham was a smart move for Wolves, who generated a £40m profit on the defender. 

Now, it’s claimed that O’Neil is ready to scan the market for a replacement for the former club captain, with GIVEMESPORT revealing the club’s ‘primary target’. 

According to the report, Wolves are eyeing RB Salzburg centre-back Oumar Solet as their Kilman successor, with the 24-year-old sporting a price tag of just £12m.

Standing at 6 foot 4, the Frenchman could be the missing piece to O’Neil’s defensive puzzle ahead of the new season and the ideal replacement for Kilman.

Solet would be a bargain signing for Wolves

It’s rare that a central defender with Champions League experience is available in the market for a price as low as £12m.

Given that Wolves are operating on a budget and defensive depth is needed, O’Neil would be smart to explore a move for the 24-year-old.

Added to his bargain price this summer, the Wolves boss will be motivated to chase Solet due to his defensive stability, as highlighted last season. 

As per Sofascore, the Salzburg star won a stellar 5.6 duels per game in the Austrian Bundesliga, an average more impressive than Kilman’s who won 4.2 per game in the Premier League. 

Earlier this summer, French outlet RMC Sport reported Manchester United’s interest in Solet, reinforcing that other sides deem him suitable to play in the Premier League. 

Having already signed Strand Larsen and Gomes to bolster Wolves going forward, it now seems as though O’Neil and Hobbs are ready to target the back line before deadline day. 

Without Kilman, the squad is limited to just four centre-backs, strengthening Wolves’ claim to needing to scan the market for another central defender.

Solet could be the perfect acquisition given Wolves’ budget and need for a defender this summer, making him one to watch ahead of deadline day.