Gary O’Neil could bolster the quality of his squad this summer by capturing a talent from a recently relegated Premier League side.
After finishing in 14th position in the Premier League, Gary O’Neil wants to ensure Wolves continue achieving progression by showing ambition in the transfer window.
Jeff Shi has already hinted at the Old Gold targeting a striker this summer. This was a necessity for O’Neil as he’s craved a natural number nine since he stepped through the doors at Molineux.
A few names have already popped onto their radar, including long-term targets Eddie Nketiah and Armando Broja.
Whilst improving their strike force is a priority, there is a host of talent in the transfer market who O’Neil could target in the middle of the park, with one previous target being made available.
Wolves should target Gustavo Hamer in the summer transfer window
Wolves were burdened by the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules last summer but that didn’t stop them pursuing deals in the window.
Coventry City’s Gustavo Hamer was a name that was linked to the Wanderers and they could have sealed an “absolute bargain” for the Brazilian however, he instead joined newly promoted Sheffield United for £15 million.
The Blades were eventually relegated from the top flight after a terrible campaign but Hamer was a rare beam of light in a dark season for the club.
United striker Ollie McBurnie was one individual who raved about his performances, lauding him as “unbelievable” as he plundered four goals and supplied six assists in 36 outings.
The all-action midfielder stood out in the middle of the park for Chris Wilder, offering a blend of creativity, tenacity and goals from a number eight position.
It felt like Wolves missed a trick by not signing the 26-year-old last summer but they can reverse that decision by taking advantage of the Blades relegation.
Wolves could repeat Joao Gomes success by signing Gustavo Hamer
Joao Gomes has become one of the best combative midfielders on the planet, with his rise facilitated by O’Neil’s meticulous coaching.
The 23-year-old only ranked behind Fulham’s Joao Palhinha for tackles in the Premier League last term (128) and developed an unbreakable partnership alongside Mario Lemina for most of it.
Midfield isn’t the biggest priority for Wolves this summer as their current four options of Gomes, Lemina, Tommy Doyle and Boubacar Traore are strong, though adding Hamer to the mix could be essential.
Hamer is capable of entering the box from deep and scoring goals, an attribute that isn’t present among the current crop of Wanderers midfielders, with O’Neil previously saying Gomes needs to improve in the final third.
The United star could provide from threat from an attacking role centrally, allowing Lemina and his combative teammate to sit and soak up pressure.
Hamer could flourish in a free role further forward having created an impressive 10 big chances and completed two key passes per game in a struggling team.
Not only that but the Wolves boss has shown how much he can improve players quickly, doing so with Gomes. So, if they were to capture his Brazilian compatriot, O’Neil could take Hamer to the next level.