This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Wolves transfer policy over the last 18 months has witnessed quite dramatic shifts.
Ahead of a return to the top-flight in 2018, the Midlands outfit targeted some hefty additions in order to ensure they were ready for the demands of the Premier League.
They landed Adama Traore for what was a club-record fee at the time of £18m. Joao Moutinho walked through the doors, joining from Monaco. while Jonny and Raul Jimenez were later made permanent additions too.
The latter once again broke their transfer record but as he and Leander Dendoncker officially signed permanent terms in the summer, Nuno Santo and the hierarchy at Wolves decided that a more low-key approach would be wise.
Instead of targeting players to impact the first XI, they signed individuals who they hope will have a far greater impact in the future. This was Wolves’ succession plan. If one player leaves then another from within the club takes their place – that’s according to Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell.
Speaking in an interview with Express & Star recently, he said: “That clear plan was to look at young talent with high potential. We wanted to add more balance.”
And indeed that’s what they did, bringing in the likes of Pedro Neto and Meritan Shabani, as well as adding Bruno Jordao and Flavio Cristovao to their ranks.
However, another player in a similar age bracket and stage of their career could join in January. The young talent in question is Reading’s Danny Loader.
Wolves had a deal in place for the teenager last summer before it fell through but Football League World now understands they will re-launch their efforts to bring him to Molineux.
At the age of 19, the forward has his whole career in front of him and even though it could be tough to dislodge Jimenez, Diogo Jota and Patrick Cutrone, he’s someone with clear potential.
Thelwell also noted this week: “We are succession planning all the time to make sure that we have players that are ready for if we lose somebody, or transfer somebody or if we want to support somebody.”
Signing a young individual like Loader would clearly benefit this plan and even despite his limited game time in 2019/20, playing just four times in the Championship, it would be a low-risk addition that would suit the club’s newfound philosophy.
