Wolves set sights on £12m ‘primary target’ as Gary O’Neil eyes a Max Kilman replacement
Wolves are looking to get more business done in the transfer market before deadline day, with the defence now a priority.
Gary O’Neil and Matt Hobbs got to work fast at the start of the summer, welcoming three new faces to bolster Wolves’ squad.
Rodrigo Gomes, Pedro Lima and Jorgen Strand Larsen arrived to hand the manager added depth, with the Old Gold’s work in the market far from over.
After losing captain Max Kilman to West Ham, it’s said that the Midlands club have turned their attention to signing a new centre-back, with one target now identified.
Wolves make centre-back Oumar Solet their primary transfer target
Offloading Kilman to West Ham was a smart move for Wolves, who generated a £40m profit on the defender.
Now, it’s claimed that O’Neil is ready to scan the market for a replacement for the former club captain, with GIVEMESPORT revealing the club’s ‘primary target’.
According to the report, Wolves are eyeing RB Salzburg centre-back Oumar Solet as their Kilman successor, with the 24-year-old sporting a price tag of just £12m.
Standing at 6 foot 4, the Frenchman could be the missing piece to O’Neil’s defensive puzzle ahead of the new season and the ideal replacement for Kilman.
Solet would be a bargain signing for Wolves
It’s rare that a central defender with Champions League experience is available in the market for a price as low as £12m.
Given that Wolves are operating on a budget and defensive depth is needed, O’Neil would be smart to explore a move for the 24-year-old.
Added to his bargain price this summer, the Wolves boss will be motivated to chase Solet due to his defensive stability, as highlighted last season.
As per Sofascore, the Salzburg star won a stellar 5.6 duels per game in the Austrian Bundesliga, an average more impressive than Kilman’s who won 4.2 per game in the Premier League.
Earlier this summer, French outlet RMC Sport reported Manchester United’s interest in Solet, reinforcing that other sides deem him suitable to play in the Premier League.
Having already signed Strand Larsen and Gomes to bolster Wolves going forward, it now seems as though O’Neil and Hobbs are ready to target the back line before deadline day.
Without Kilman, the squad is limited to just four centre-backs, strengthening Wolves’ claim to needing to scan the market for another central defender.
Solet could be the perfect acquisition given Wolves’ budget and need for a defender this summer, making him one to watch ahead of deadline day.
How Pedro Neto really felt about leaving Wolves after £54m Chelsea transfer agreed
Pedro Neto’s transfer from Wolves to Chelsea is imminent after the two clubs agreed a deal for the winger.
Gary O’Neil would have been braced to lose Pedro Neto this summer as the winger shone for Wolves last season.
The Portgual international claimed nine assists and scored twice in the Premier League, showcasing unplayable form on the right flank when he was fit.
Now, it looks like the 24-year-old will make Stamford Bridge his new home as Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Neto from Wolves.
Gary O’Neil says Pedro Neto is ‘emotional’ about leaving Wolves to join Chelsea
After standing firm all summer with clubs eyeing Neto, Wolves have agreed a price in the region of £54m to part ways with the Portuguese forward.
Neto’s five-year association with Wolves is set to end in the coming days as his transfer to Chelsea has gathered rapid pace this week.
The winger will forever be adored at Molineux for his efforts for the club and the excitement he provided in Old Gold, as O’Neil shared how the 24-year-old is feeling ahead of his transfer being finalised, via Express and Star.
