Wolverhampton Wanderers has enjoyed an excellent summer of spending so far as Nuno Espirito Santo prepares his side for the new season ahead, but a recent report from Express and Star suggests he has his sights set on another, albeit questionable summer transfer.
Following a summer filled with Portuguese acquisitions, it appears that Wolves are finally looking away from their go-to nation and towards their Spanish neighbours by testing Middlesbrough’s resolve over Adama Traore. According to the report, Wolves have had a bid rejected for the winger who has represented Spain at youth level, although the Wanderers could yet secure his signature by triggering a release clause in his contract worth £18 million.
The price quoted is certainly not an extortionate one for a player whom demonstrated a huge level of potential in the Championship last season with his dazzling performances whilst predominantly operating on the right-wing, however, there is reason to suggest that Traore is not cut out for Premier League football.
Traore has played for two clubs in the Premier League during his career thus far: Middlesbrough and Aston Villa. Within the 37 appearances he has made, Traore has failed to score a single goal and provided just 3 assists during the same time, and he still ended up on the losing side on the 3 occasions in which he made a decisive impact.
At 22-years-old Traore must be given time to develop and improve before being labelled a Championship standard player, but the early signs suggest that he will struggle to thrive in the top-flight of English football. Indeed, the manner in which he flopped in the Premier League with two different clubs is a notable cause for concern for Wolves as they deliberate over a revised offer for Traore.
Wolves have made a handful of shrewd signings in the window so far, but they must avoid being tempted into an admittedly appealing £18 million gamble on a player whom needs to prove himself in the Championship for at least two seasons before being handed another opportunity to shine among the elite.
Wolves fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
