Werder Bremen’s head of first-team football Clemens Fritz has said that the club are planning to open talks with Justin Njinmah over a new contract, amid speculation Wolves are interested in signing the player.
It was claimed earlier this week that Wanderers had placed Njinmah on their shortlist ahead of the summer window, after an impressive season over in Germany.
Njinmah has made 24 appearances, scoring six goals and making two assists.
The 23-year-old also has interest from Everton, Villarreal and some Bundesliga clubs.
Wolves are expected to move for new wide players this summer. At the moment, Gary O’Neil is short in that department, and this term he lost wide players to injury which made life difficult.
Pedro Neto and Hwang Hee-chan have both had spells on the sidelines, often leaving Pablo Sarabia as the only available wide man – although Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Rayan Ait-Nouri have filled in at times.
Njinmah is seemingly a target, but Wolves may have to start laying some groundwork now given what Clemens Fritz has said…
Werder Bremen to ‘certainly’ open talks with Wolves target Justin Nijnmah over a new contract
It has been a breakout season for Njinmah, who previously had a loan spell with Borussia Dortmund.
The star has caught the eye with his pace and dribbling, and those traits may well make him a good fit in Wolves’ system under O’Neil.
O’Neil has shown a strong preference for pace and mobility this term, relying heavily on Hwang, Neto and Matheus Cunha in attack.
Njinmah, a versatile forward, might be of interest this summer. But Wolves are potentially in a race against time, with Werder lining him up for a new contract.
Fritz, who will become Werder’s new managing director for sport this summer, said (as quoted by Bild): “We’re planning with Justin, nothing has reached us. It’s normal for clubs to be interested.
“We are in regular contact with his agency and will certainly intensify the discussions. That could also be something for the summer break. At the end of May we go on holiday, at the beginning of July we usually go back to the training ground.”
Wolves may have to offer regular game time to Njinmah
At the moment, it is sounding like Wolves are going to have to jump through some hoops to sign Njinmah this summer.
Werder are keen to extend his contract, and there are also other clubs looking to try and lure him away.
Wolves may find it tricky to persuade him to come to Molineux, especially since he’s only just about to complete his first proper season in the Bundesliga.
Njinmah, who earns around £19,000 per week with Werder, may feel there is more value in staying put for the time being so that he can develop further. If he moved now, then it would definitely be a risk for him.
We will see what transpires, but you would imagine Wolves would surely have to offer him regular game time if he is to reject the proposal of a new contract from Werder and head to Molineux.