Wolves are chasing one transfer target this summer, a move that makes sense given Gary O’Neil’s preferences in 2023/24.
Gary O’Neil will be eager to bolster his squad in the upcoming transfer window, with several targets already linked to Molineux.
Wolves require added depth this summer in preparation for the 2024/25 campaign, where the Midlands club will hope to improve on their 14th-place finish achieved last term.
As well as retaining key players, O’Neil is on the hunt for fresh talent, with the club’s desire to sign one target made clear.
READ MORE: Wolves dream summer window with five exits, new striker and Joao Gomes to stay
Wolves bid for transfer target Rodrigo Gomes
It has been reported that Wolves have submitted a bid to sign Rodrigo Gomes from Braga.
The 20-year-old is highly-thought of by the Midlands club, with Atletico Madrid also listed to have an interest in the winger.
It’s claimed that Wolves submitted a bid in the region of £13m for the Portugal U21 star, who was said to be in advanced talks with Atletico only last week.
The Old Gold are hopeful of striking a deal for the player, who could be the perfect player for O’Neil’s system for one key reason.
Gary O’Neil may see shades of Rayan Ait-Nouri in Gomes
While Gomes was deployed on the flank during his successful loan spell at Estoril, the 20-year-old has the ability to play at right-back also.
Interestingly, the Portuguese star has featured on the right side of midfield ahead of a back three, playing the role of a wing-back with the strength to dazzle in the final third.
After seeing first hand just how successful Rayan Ait-Nouri’s versatility was in O’Neil’s system, Wolves’ interest in Gomes makes a lot of sense considering what he could offer to the manager’s setup.
Earlier this year, U23 scout Antonio Mango called the Wolves target a ‘diamond’ for his potency in front of goal, seeing him earn a host of credit for his performances away from his parent club Braga.
As seen above, there are traceable similarities between Ait-Nouri’s season at Wolves in 2023/24 to Gomes’ time at Estoril, which could pose an interesting prospect for O’Neil.
The manager has found great joy in lining his defence up with three at the back and two supporting wing backs, a formation that Gomes thrived in during his loan spell.
Whether the 20-year-old is seen as a winger or as a wing-back is something that would be interesting to see develop if the youngster made the move to Molineux.
Such versatility is celebrated by O’Neil and is an element that made Wolves a far more effective side over the 2023/24 campaign.