Report shares what Gary O’Neil really wants to do in January above all else
Wolves manager Gary O’Neil will reportedly prioritise signing an out-and-out number nine in January, although the club will not have a huge amount to spend.
This is the claim from The Telegraph, who have provided an update on the state of play at the club after a chaotic summer.
Wolves sold a number of high-profile players, having run into financial difficulty. Wolves had overspent last season, and were in danger of falling foul of FFP.
It was a situation that was rather unavoidable though, ultimately. Wolves desperately needed to strengthen in January, otherwise there was a very real chance of relegation.
The likes of Raul Jimenez, Ruben Neves, Conor Coady, Nathan Collins and Matheus Nunes all departed, and in total around £140 million was generated.
Some of that was then spent on new players right at the end of the window.
It is well documented that Wolves were looking to bring in a striker at the end of the window, and this is now a priority for O’Neil…
Wolves boss Gary O’Neil will prioritise moving for an actual number 9 in January
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The Telegraph believe O’Neil will now focus his efforts on signing a striker for Wolves in the next transfer window.
Owners Fosun are said to be currently weighing up how much money can be made available for this.
The thinking for O’Neil is that he wants more of an out-and-out centre-forward, because Matheus Cunha is not that. Cunha has been brilliant this season, but he is not someone who has ever really led the line.
We have seen in the crucial moments that his finishing ability generally isn’t up to the required standard.
It is stated that O’Neil wants a proper striker so that he can hand Cunha more of a free role in the final third. This is something the club have always envisaged with the Brazilian.
An understandable plan
It is understandable that O’Neil wants to sign a proper number nine.
Cunha has been doing great work this season, but he is just not the clinical striker Wolves need up top.
He is far better operating just in behind a striker. We have seen many times this season Cunha dropping deep to pick up the ball. He can then use his fantastic ball-carrying ability to get Wolves up the pitch and into the final third.
Cunha is also much better playing a bit deeper because of the defensive work he does. He is very good at pressing and is actually a pretty effective ball-winner for an attacking player.
Hopefully, the Wolves recruitment team and O’Neil are able to find someone who can be that focal point to free up Cunha, and also provide those clinical finishes.
