Wolves look set for a busy summer in the transfer window, with a rumoured target having the potential to replicate the presence of one Nuno Santo signing.
Gary O’Neil directed Wolves to a 14th-place finish in his first season at Molineux, a campaign that had the potential to end much higher had squad depth not been an issue.
The Englishman was aware of the slim size of his squad when he took charge from Julen Lopetegui, as the Old Gold’s Premier League future beyond 2023/24 was in doubt.
Instead, O’Neil oversaw a five-point improvement from the 2022/23 campaign, as well as leading Wolves to an FA Cup quarter-final, with several areas of the squad’s playing style improving.
For all of the former Bournemouth manager’s high points during the season, the footballing calendar ended far from desired for the club, who secured just five points from a possible 30 in their final 10 league fixtures.
Wolves’ lack of squad depth became apparent at the end of the term, making this summer crucial for O’Neil to replenish his side to go again next year.
Speculation has already started ahead of the transfer window, with one target identified to be on the list of several Premier League clubs.
Wolves are interested in Ramon Sosa alongside Premier League rivals
Reports from Paraguay recently detailed Wolves’ interest in CA Talleres winger Ramon Sosa, with Newcastle also said to admire the winger.
The report claimed that Sosa is set to leave the Argentine side this summer, with the Premier League duo set to battle for the forward who has an asking price in the region of £16m.
Earlier this month, ESPN journalist Roberto Rojas also detailed Chelsea and Everton’s interest in the 24-year-old, telling of how highly regarded he is.
It will be interesting to see how Sosa’s future plays out, with Wolves hoping to add the Paraguay international to their squad this summer.
Ramon Sosa could be Wolves’ next Adama Traore
Hailed as being a ‘reliable outlet’ for Talleres by scout and analyst Ben Mattinson, Sosa was described as being ‘a problem’ for defences when on the ball in wide areas.
His playing style and strengths identified by Mattinson are identical to those admired at Molineux in Nuno Santo’s ace, Adama Traore, who left the club last summer to join Fulham.
Renowned for his devastating impact on the ball, Traore’s presence could be considered almost irreplaceable due to his physique and fearless drive, although, statistics suggest that Sosa could do a very good job at imitating the Spaniard.
As highlighted above, when it comes to driving at defenders, the Paraguayan has an almost identical skillset to Traore, who was loved at Molineux for his constant source of threat.
One element of the Spain international’s game that didn’t please Wolves fans was his lack of conviction at the end of his runs, which is where Sosa betters, as seen by his increased average of shot-creating actions per 90.
What would please O’Neil is the Talleres ace’s versatility in the front line, with him utilised on either flank and at times in central areas to exploit defences.
The 24-year-old has contributed to 30 goals in his 54 appearances for the Argentine outfit so far, hinting at what the winger could offer O’Neil and Wolves, restoring the excitement that Traore once brought to Molineux.