Wolves are in the market for several new players in the upcoming transfer window and one of the positions they could target is goalkeeper with links to AS Roma’s Mile Svilar continuing to surface.
Gary O’Neil‘s position of priority to strengthen is striker while we exclusively revealed that Wolves could look to bolster their defence this summer.
Next in line, though, appears to be a new goalkeeper. The Wanderers currently have the safe hands of Jose Sa as their number one, Dan Bentley as backup and Tom King in reserve.
Despite the transfer window not opening till June, Wolves have kept tabs on Columbus Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte while the club has also sent scouts to watch AS Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar.
It has now been revealed that a club official from Molineux was in attendance at not just one, but two of his matches.
Wolves are closely watching AS Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar
A new goalkeeper wasn’t expected to be on the agenda this summer, but as O’Neil transforms Wolves into a side that can play out from the back comfortably, the goalkeeper is seen as an area that needs improving.
Although Sa is excellent at shot-stopping and making himself big inbetween the sticks, he often flatters to deceive with the ball at his feet, which is why Wolves are closely watching Roma’s Svilar.
That is according to Italian outlet Il Messaggero, who have revealed that a Wanderers official was in attendance for Roma’s 4-0 thumping of Brighton in the Europa League two weeks ago and then watched him in their 1-0 defeat in the return leg.
The report states that Wolves, alongside Premier League rivals West Ham, are closely watching the 24-year-old as they eye up a move ahead of the summer.
During Jose Mourinho’s time at Roma, Svilar was used as a backup to former Wolves hero Rui Patricio, but once the special one was replaced with Danielle De Rossi in January, his fortunes turned for the better.
Svilar has kept three clean sheets in nine appearances under De Rossi but could depart the Stadio Olimpico in the summer.
Roma’s financial situation could play into Wolves’ hands
As reported by Il Messaggero, Roma have to raise €40 million (£34 million) by June to balance the books and they are willing to sacrifice Svilar to help them achieve that goal.
The Serbian shot-stopper was once lauded as “phenomenal” by Jose Mourinho during his time at Benfica, and while he ironically benched him in Italy, Svilar has all the attributes to become a great keeper at Molineux.
Svilar is great with the ball at his feet and in six appearances in Serie A this season, he’s averaged a 91% pass completion per game, bettering Sa’s total of 58%.
Interestingly, though, he also beats the Portuguese for shot-stopping with an average save percentage of 75% this season compared to Sa’s 67%.
A new goalkeeper may not be the priority for O’Neil this summer given he’s happy with his current options, though a move for Svilar does look possible as Roma are depleted financially.