Premier League

Wolves: January swoop for Aurelio Buta impending

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Wolverhampton Wanderers will attempt to sign Aurelio Buta in the January transfer window, according to Sunday Mirror, (via the Express).

Indeed, Wolves are set to land Aurelio Buta on loan when the January transfer window opens.

Reportedly, Nuno Espirito Santo has charged the club’s hierarchy with bringing in the Royal Antwerp wing-back on a loan deal.

It is likely that the loan move for the Portuguese full-back will have an option to buy in it, as the Old Gold often do, for example with Raul Jimenez who was signed for £32.4 million over the summer after a season on loan (per Transfermarkt).

Much-needed reinforcements

Still competing across three fronts: the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup, Espirito Santo is staring down the barrel of a loaded winter fixture list (per Express and Star). Therefore, it is essential that the Molineux club bring in reinforcements in January, with the risk of injury.

It is likely, therefore, that Buta will be one of a number of squad strengtheners to sign on the dotted line at Molineux in the winter window.

TiF Tactics – How does Buta compare?

In the right-wing back position, Espirito Santo only really has one out-and-out option to fill that role.

Despite Adama Traore having player there and Phil Osofu-Ayeh being an option, Matt Doherty is the only real first-team option with a mastery of that role (per Transfermarkt).

Therefore, the Portuguese full-back could be being brought in to provide direct competition for the Irish 27-year-old.

In the wing-back position for the Old Gold, getting forward is essential and, in terms of goals return this term, the Pro League man just outranks Doherty.

Buta has had four direct goal involvements for Royal Antwerp this term, three assists and a goal, where Wolves’ Irishman has only had three in the same number of games, 17, with two goals and one assist (per Transfermarkt).

Five years Doherty’s junior, Buta will make a good understudy to the 27-year-old and provide some much-needed cover and competition in Espirito Santo’s squad.

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