Wolves have had to keep their powder dry over the winter window, but here are three transfers that manager Gary O’Neil could still agree at Molineux entering deadline day.
Financial restrictions have dictated what activity the Old Gold have managed across the mid-season sales. O’Neil has sought to improve the Molineux ranks but Wolves have not had the budget for their top targets due to the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
Winter reinforcements have remained desired in the sales, nonetheless. O’Neil has enjoyed a solid first season at the helm with a mid-table top-flight campaign. But Wolves are also mid-table for their offensive output and defensive record following the club’s opening 21 games.
Wolves have also proven to be extremely reliant on Hwang Hee-Chan, who has scored 10 of their 30 goals to date. Only Matheus Cunha (6) and Mario Lemina (4) have also scored more than two in the Premier League. While Hwang also ranks fourth at Molineux for assists (3).
Adding another goal threat to the Old Gold’s attack is one of O’Neil’s primary wishes for the final hours of the market. So, with that in mind, Molineux News takes a look at three moves that O’Neil can still seal before the winter 2024 transfer window slams shut at 23:00 GMT…
Wolves mark Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto as their #1 deadline day target
Corinthians forward Yuri Alberto is now Wolves’ #1 target for a deadline day transfer. That is according to John Percy, who also notes for The Telegraph that talks are underway over the 22-year-old moving to Molineux. He is just the latest centre-forward whom O’Neil has eyed.
Wolves have also explored transfers for Chelsea striker Armando Broja, Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike and West Ham United attacker Danny Ings this winter. But Wolves are now pushing to sign Alberto in a late loan deal from Corinthians to avoid all issues with PSR.
The Brazilian caught Wolves’ eye after scoring 15 goals and assisting a further nine over 63 games in 2023. Alberto offered eight of his haul, plus four assists, across 34 Brazilian Serie A matches. The 6ft striker also enjoyed his senior debut for Brazil against Morocco last March.
Alberto has been a regular in the Selecao’s youth sides since 2017 and he was prolific at the U17 level. The Sao Jose dos Campos native scored six goals in 12 U17 caps. A transfer to the Black Country may now help the right-footed forward cement his status on the senior stage.
Wolves fight Everton for Marseille midfielder Pape Gueye’s transfer
O’Neil is also interested in strengthening Wolves’ midfield, with TEAMtalk noting interest in Marseille and Senegal star Papa Gueye. But the Old Gold might have to battle a fellow cash-strapped squad in Everton. The Blues and Wolves are both aware that Gueye can leave OM.
Les Phoceens will not stop Gueye from leaving the Stade Velodrome as he is down manager Gennaro Gattuso’s pecking order. The 24-year-old is also set to be out of contract at the end of the season. He only played in three Ligue 1 games as a substitute before going to AFCON.
Gueye was also an unused substitute in one match following his return from his suspension. Marseille were without the Montreuil, France-born anchor since the start of the season. He also spent the second half of last term on loan with Sevilla for 16 outings in La Liga matches.
Crystal Palace and Wolves are interested in Birmingham gem Jordan James
Another midfielder on Wolves’ radar for a deadline day transfer is Birmingham City prospect Jordan James. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Old Gold and rivalling Crystal Palace for a last-gasp deal. The Blues have also already rejected one offer to sign James from Atalanta.
The 19-year-old has earned European-wide interest after a breakout term as a goalscoring midfielder. James has been a part of the senior team at St Andrew’s since the 2021/22 term. But after scoring once in 53 Championship games, he has penned six in 26 so far this term.
James has further registered 13 of the Birmingham academy product’s 35 second-tier starts so far this season. He also became a senior Wales international last March and is already an important starter for Cymru. The teenager has opened six of his eight caps under Rob Page.
Wolves are now interested in beating Crystal Palace to James’ transfer from Birmingham. He is under contract in the Second City until June 2025 but the Blues retain an option to extend the terms by 12 months. The clause should protect James’ value as clubs monitor his efforts.