OPINION
Unless Wolves are planning on pulling another transfer u-turn as they did with Benik Afobe, who they signed permanently after a successful loan spell and sold just days later, then the signing of Brazilian forward Leo Bonatini is a huge mistake.
The club confirmed through their Twitter page on Saturday that they had activated the clauses of the loans of the 24-year-old as well as Ruben Vinagre, but it is the signing of the striker that is a massive cause for concern.
Wolves have triggered options in the loan contracts of @BonatiniOficial and @Rubenvinagrejr, which will see both make permanent moves to Molineux.
— Wolves (@Wolves) June 30, 2018
The forward arrived at Molineux last summer from Al Hilal, impressing from the off as it looked all the world as though Wolves had pulled off a masterstroke in the transfer market.
12 goals in his first 20 Championship games propelled the West Midland’s club to dizzying heights in the division.
But following his all-important goal in the 1-0 win against Birmingham back in December, Bonatini has been unable to find the back of the net again.
His loss of form and the fact that he was unable to recapture it again is as confusing as it is worrying for a player who clearly struggles when low on confidence.
And going into the Premier League he will be facing some of the world’s best defenders week in and week out so he cannot afford to endure a barren spell as the one of last season.
In defence and in the midfield zone Wolves look strong, but the same cannot be said of their options up front.
Now that Afobe has joined Stoke, it leaves the goalscoring responsibility with Bonatini who, with five months without a goal, will have to step up to the challenge or Wolves will be left red-faced in their first season back in the top-flight.