On the latest episode of The Transfer Window Podcast, Duncan Castles and Ian McGarry have been discussing some of the potentially big transfers that could happen this summer.
One topic of conversation on the recent episode was Wolves striker Raul Jimenez. The Mexican international has been linked with a number of clubs, including Premier League champions Liverpool, after a superb campaign in the top-flight that saw him contribute 17 goals and six assists in 38 appearances; averaging an impressive 7.25 rating (per WhoScored).
Here’s what McGarry had to say about the 29-year-old on the podcast after discussing the Mexican’s chances of making a move to Anfield after the Reds were unable to sign Timo Werner:
“It’s our information that Fenway Sports Group have relented somewhat and are willing to sign a striker this summer to augment Liverpool’s squad; of course, at the moment, they don’t play with a recognised number nine.
“One player who has come onto the radar, although it’s no surprise that he’s come onto the radar, but is probably destined for Italy rather than Merseyside, is Wolves’ Raul Jimenez. This is a transfer which would be no surprise, except for the fact that Jimenez is going to cost a lot of money and you [Castles] have said this in the past that Wolves are not prepared to do a deal on the cheap for a player that they paid almost £40 million for and who has proven to be a very reliable, not just striker, but also someone who has a good record of assists and making goal chances.”
TIF Thoughts…
McGarry seems resigned to the fact that Jimenez could leave the Old Gold this summer, suggesting that a move to Italy looks to be the likely outcome for the former Benfica man.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side finished the Premier League in seventh, meaning that they will fail to qualify for the Europa League if Arsenal win the FA Cup, although they could, of course, qualify for the Champions League if they win the Europa League this season, or the Europa League if Chelsea triumph in the final (per BBC).
Do you think Jimenez will leave this summer?
Yes
No
Therefore, you could perhaps understand why Jimenez would want to depart if they fail to secure any European football for next season. As McGarry suggests, Wolves paid £34.2 million for the forward last year, so are unlikely to let him go for cheap this summer, even when adjusting for the financial impact of the current viral outbreak. It will be interesting to see which sides, if any, come in for Jimenez in the summer transfer window.