[ad_pod ]This article is part ofÂFootball FanCast’sÂTransfer FocusÂseries, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…Wolves have confirmed the signing of striker Patrick Cutrone from AC Milan in a deal Express & Star previously suggested would cost up to £20m.
What’s the word?
Wolves had been looking to finalise the signing of the 21-year-old this week after the two clubs reached a deal as well as agreeing personal terms with the player.
Express & Star suggested that Wolves will pay £16m up front with £4m coming from add-ons over the next few seasons.
There had only been one addition this summer in the West Midlands after Real Madrid’s young centre-back Jesus Vallejo joined the club on a season-long loan. However, Cutrone has now become their second major signing, walking through the Molineux doors on Tuesday.
How does it affect their leading line?
It’s not unreasonable to suggest that manager Nuno Santo relied on the exploits of Raul Jimenez and his regular strike partner Diogo Jota throughout large spells of last season.
Between them, they scored nearly 50% of their Premier League total (22 of 47) with Jimenez netting 13 goals from 38 appearances and Jota scoring nine from 33.
The next best was a mere four goals from a trio of players, none of which were of attacking complexion – Ruben Neves, Willy Boly and Matt Doherty.
Therefore it would seem that an alternative option is required with the club embarking on a historic Europa League campaign whilst also looking to improve on last season’s seventh-placeÂfinish. This not only means additional games are likely but also that a step up in quality is required.
At times this pre-season even young midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White has played in a centre-forward role which could suggest that Nuno has been trying contingency plans in case either Jimenez or Jota face a spell on the sidelines or even get suspended.
That could be solved with the addition of the 21-year-old.
Cutrone had a breakthrough year in the 2017/18 campaign where he scored 18 goals in 46 matches and followed that up last season with nine goals in 43 appearances – some of which came in the Europa League meaning he will add further European pedigree to the West Midlands.
Check out the reaction to Wolves’ first European game since the ’80s in the video below…
It is quite unlikely that the 6 foot striker knocks either Jimenez or Jota out of the side entirely, but instead he will come as a solid alternative option having been regarded as a classic number nine with a strong work ethic and good aerial ability – attributes that the 6 foot 3 Jimenez possesses, as described by expert Martin del Palacio.
The arrival of Cutrone should do wonders for Wolves’ squad depth especially as the season draws on. If they make the Europa League group stages, they’ll need to dig deep and rely on more than just their regular starting line-up.
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