According to Liam Keen, Wolves wanted to sign Jason Denayer on deadline day but opting to make Craig Dawson their priority target meant the deal did not get done.
The midlands team had a turbulent summer transfer window as they started slowly with just Nathan Collins coming, then they picked up with the signings of Goncalo Guedes, Matheus Nunes, and Sasa Kalajdzic, before only bringing in Boubacar Traore on loan on the deadline day for their senior side.
Despite only bringing in one player on the last day of the window, they were linked with moves for both Craig Dawson and Denayer, but ultimately they failed to complete deals for both before the window slammed shut.
It has since been revealed by Keen that the reason they could have missed out on Denayer, who was a free agent, is that they prioritised Dawson, who looked to be moving to Molineux for £5m before West Ham United’s deal for Jan Bednarek fell through.
Keen told the Express and Star Wolves podcast, “They were very much in for Craig Dawson at West Ham I also broke the news myself earlier this week that they were in for Jason Denayer. Free agent formerly at Lyon, Belgian international, 27 years old.
“They offered him a three-year deal. It seemed like a pretty good option I thought, albeit I do understand that Dawson was the priority hence the reason Denayer hadn’t gotten done and they were trying to, I suppose get both deals, ready to move and then make a decision.
“And last minute today, early today, Dawson has been sort of, the rug being pulled out from under their feet really… so, you know, that transfer merry-go-round has hurt Wolves really.”
TIF Thoughts Keen’s comments…
After losing Willy Boly to Nottingham Forest, Wolves needed to bring in another centre-back for depth considering they also lost Conor Coady earlier in the window. However, as a result of over-extending themselves, they missed the chance.
Singing Dawson was always going to be difficult as they were involved in a transfer domino with West Ham and Aston Villa, but there is no reason why they could not have gotten the deal for Denayer done as he was a free agent.
The 27-year-old would have been a great pick-up for the club, he has a lot of experience at the highest level as he has played in the Premier League, Ligue 1, the SPL, and the Champions League for 288 career caps.
This was a mistake from the Wolves board, which leaves them in a difficult position until January, they currently sit 18th in the table without a win under their belt. They now face an uphill battle with a depleted backlinee and any injuries could spell disaster, this is a situation they could have easily avoided.
Will Wolves regret not signing Denayer?YesNo |