Wolves have reportedly already outlined one of their transfer targets ahead of the summer window, with Chelsea and the Old Gold said to be admirers of AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper Rome Jayden Owusu-Oduro.
It’s braced to be a better summer than last year for Wolves, as Gary O’Neil hopes to grasp the support of Fosun in order to seal signings in the transfer window.
The Englishman has done exceptionally well at orchestrating the wilted squad he inherited from Julen Lopetegui, with their shortages in depth only recently becoming apparent due to an influx of injuries.
While O’Neil’s foot is not yet off the gas in the 2023/24 calendar, with six Premier League fixtures left to play, the boss will be turning his attention slightly to the summer transfer window, where change must be made.
In recent weeks, the manager has been vocal in the media about his dissatisfaction over Wolves’ inability to sign players in January, due to financial restraints, with the summer hoped to provide the opportunity for the 40-year-old to replenish his squad.
Although the focus has very much been on the lack of forwards in O’Neil’s side, reports have pointed to a contrasting position that could be strengthened this summer.
Wolves ‘monitoring’ AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper Rome Jayden Owusu-Oduro
As reported by journalist Liam Keen via Express and Star, Wolves are ‘still monitoring’ 19-year-old goalkeeper Rome Jayden Owusu-Oduro ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
The report detailed that the Old Gold were ‘exploring’ a deal worth a possible £2m last year however, the player remained at AZ Alkmaar, with the club keen to extend his stay in the Netherlands.
It may not be easy for Wolves to secure the signature of the ‘exceptional’ teen, as he was lauded by U23 scout Antonio Mango, with there being a list of clubs that admire his talent.
Alongside the Midlands club come Anderlecht and now Premier League rivals Chelsea, who are ‘closely following his development’, as per the report.
Who is Rome Jayden Owusu-Oduro?
At U19 level, Owusu-Oduro is a well-thought-of name due to his expertise in guiding AZ to win the UEFA Youth League last season, showing his talent throughout the tournament.
Dubbed an “outstanding talent” for his role in the competition by Antonio Mango, the Dutchman is beginning to creep into senior football, having made four Eredivisie appearances this campaign for his club.
While his season has largely been spent as the number two to former Brighton keeper, Mat Ryan, there is belief that he could soon take the reins as number one due to the Australian’s contract situation.
For Wolves, it seems the Old Gold would like to have the teen on the side, with Express and Star noting that there is ‘no suggestion’ whether a potential move for the youngster would be to replace the likes of Jose Sa or Dan Bentley.