This season can essentially be classed as a write-off for Wolves. They won’t achieve European football and they’re looking unlikely to secure a top-half finish too.
With that in mind, Jeff Shi better start preparing for next term.
What’s the word?
Wolves are one of a number of sides vying for the signature of Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba this summer.
That’s according to the Express, who began their report this week by stating Manchester United have placed him under their microscope after scouting him.
They suggest that Leicester and Wolves have also scouted the defender on numerous occasions but in recent days, he’s been urged to join Barcelona.
It’s thought that Liverpool also have an interest in Tapsoba, a young defender who could cost a considerable amount. Sport suggests his value is at around €40m (£34.2m), while he currently earns £37k-per-week.
Perfect for Nuno
One of the Old Gold’s biggest problems this season has been their transition between a three-man and four-man backline.
The inconsistency in rhythm it’s caused has plagued the squad and as a result, they’ve struggled this term. Their clean sheet against Leicester last month, for instance, was just their second in the league since October.
Therefore, the addition of a player like Tapsoba could be the missing piece of the jigsaw. Not only is he adept in a back four but he’s also been very capable of playing in a back three. Crucially, he usually plays as the left centre-back, the clear weakness in the Wolves defence with Willy Boly and Conor Coady on the right and in the middle.
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Blessed with enormous levels of strength and pace, his ability to recover and batter opponents aside is truly eye-catching. A quick look at the statistics tells you all you need to know.
So far this term, the 22-year-old has won an impressive 2.1 aerial duels per game and produced 1.9 tackles per match. For context, no centre-back at Wolves has won more in the tackle department than Tapsoba has.
He’s a player that’s earned rave reviews and thus, it would be a big surprise if Wolves could lure him away from the likes of Liverpool and Barcelona to Molineux instead.
Germany legend and Leverkusen managing director Rudi Voller once said: “His really big potential makes Edmond Tapsoba a very interesting proposition as a player.”
Their sporting director, Simon Rolfes, added: “Edmond Tapsoba was a regular first choice at Guimaraes at the age of 20 and, in addition to his defensive ability, he’s also dangerous in front of goal.”
Because of his pace, he is able to recover incredibly quickly. Last season, the young centre-back made 13.05 recoveries per 90 minutes. For context, the highest in the Bundesliga was 16.21.
He also made 5.03 counter-pressing recoveries per 90 minutes, something that demonstrates his ability to fit into even the most demanding and intense teams.
The Burkina Faso international is clearly blessed with a lot of talent. Wolves must do as much as they can to secure his signature. He’d surely fit seamlessly into their defence.
AND in other news, Wolves could find another Neto by swooping for “unpredictable” £101k-p/w Mendes client…