Wolves should plot a move for one star this summer who could offer Gary O’Neil a possible replacement for Rayan Ait-Nouri.
Gary O’Neil will be preparing for the upcoming summer transfer window at Molineux, with a lot of work to be done with the current squad.
Wolves navigated their way through the 2023/24 campaign with an incredibly small team which must be resolved this summer.
While the Old Gold have already been linked with several possible targets ahead of the transfer window, O’Neil should keep his eye on one star with an uncertain future.
Wolves should track the transfer situation of Ian Maatsen this summer
Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen could be on the move this summer after spending half of last season on loan with Borussia Dortmund.
The 22-year-old impressed greatly in Germany and looks likely to be purchased by the Bundesliga side however, there is a stumbling block.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Dortmund are preparing to submit an ‘initial proposal’ to Chelsea of around £21m, which is short of the £35m release clause in place in Maatsen’s contract.
Romano adds that while the left-back is a priority, Dortmund can’t facilitate the £35m required to release him from his contract at Stamford Bridge, which should put Wolves on alert.
Rayan Ait-Nouri’s future has been speculated this summer, meaning that if a significant bid came in for the Algerian, the Old Gold may be tempted to part ways.
As a result, the Midlands club could have both a left-back to replace and added funds to work with, with Maatsen being the ideal profile to fit what O’Neil would need to replace Ait-Nouri.
Maatsen could be the perfect Rayan Ait-Nouri replacement
Described as ‘elite’ by U23 scout Antonio Mango during his loan spell at Burnley, Maatsen took a step up in January and made the headlines in Dortmund.
The left-back was named in the Champions League Team of the Season for his efforts in black and yellow, telling of his quality and potential at just 22 years old.
Maatsen was given a chance at Chelsea after his searing season at Burnley in the Championship during the 2022/23 campaign, where he showed his strengths at playing progressively at full-back.
The Dutchman’s ability on the ball sees him rank in the top 6% of fullbacks in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, averaging a carrying distance of 274.58 yards per 90, via FBref.
Such traits are ones identifiable as a must for O’Neil’s side, and factors that have seen Ait-Nouri come to life at Molineux under the Englishman’s reign.
Of course, the ideal scenario would be for Wolves to retain Ait-Nouri after his dazzling season in Old Gold over 2023/24 however, Maatsen would be a strong option to replace the Algerian if necessary.