Wolves are set to carry on spending money this summer, paying £18m up front for Middlesbrough winger Adama Traore, according to a reliable journalist.
Alan Nixon, the Sun’s transfer expert, made the claim on his personal Twitter account on Wednesday afternoon, after it had been reported by the Independent that they were considering matching his £18m release clause.
That would give the midlands club permission to talk to Traore about a deal to bring him to Molineux.
Nixon said that one consequence would be that Wolves would have to sell one or two players.
The Mail reported earlier today that Leeds were looking to buy left-back Barry Douglas, and that a fee and personal terms had been agreed.
Good move for Wolves?
Traore, the former Barcelona player, moved to Aston Villa in 2015 for £9million and onto Middlesbrough for around £7.5million a year later. He’s enjoyed his time at Boro more and that’s seen his value more than double. He’s played 71 games for Wolves, scoring five goals and registering 13 assists and most of these came in a really impressive last season. Five goals and 10 assists in 34 games looks like it’s been enough to get him a move up to the Premier League with Wolves, who are intent on making a stir and trying to make a home for themsevles among the big boys in the top half of the table. Traore didn’t do so well in the 16/17 season in the Premier League for Middlesbrough – with just one assist in 27 games. That came on the back of 10 games in the Premier League with Villa where he didn’t score and registered two assists. So the jury is still out at the top level. However, he is a wonderful talent and if Nuno can coax similar performances from him, he will be a force next season.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10
Likely to happen?
Very much so. If Wolves are willing to pay the £18m up front then that’s his fee sorted. Then they can talk to Traore, and with the money that Wolves have got, and an exciting route into a team who hope to be challenging for a top-ten place in the Premier League next season, why wouldn’t Traore want to go?
This is Futbol rating: 8/10