da esoccer bet： The end of the transfer window is fast approaching yet Wolverhampton Wanderers’ search for a new centre-forward goes on, with the Molineux outfit still suffering for their lack of a reliable goalscoring presence in attack.
da brdice： While for so long that figure had been Raul Jimenez – the 31-year-old having scored 30 goals across his first two Premier League campaigns combined – the Mexico international is yet to get to back to his best after suffering a potentially life-threatening head injury against Arsenal back in November 2020.
To his credit, the 93-cap brute has since courageously and bravely returned to action, although was restricted to just six league goals last season, while he is again absent at present after suffering a knee injury.
The signing of Goncalo Guedes from Valencia – as well as the permanent capture of loanee Hwang Hee-chan – has bolstered Bruno Lage’s attacking options, although neither man represents a true out and out number nine, while £35.6m flop Fabio Silva has been loaned out to Anderlecht.
In need of a new leading man to help solve the Old Gold’s goalscoring woes – having scored just 38 league goals last term – recent reports have seen the Midlands side linked with a move for Benfica starlet, Goncalo Ramos.
As per 90min, Wolves are one of a number of Premier League clubs who are interested in the 21-year-old, with the report suggesting that he could be available for around £30m for any interested party.
If his start to the new season is anything to go by that figure could well prove something of a bargain, with the Portuguese gem having already netted a hat-trick in a Champions League qualifying clash with FC Midtjylland, as well as scoring in the recent 1-0 victory over Casa Pia.
An “incredibly prolific” attacking threat – in the words of talent scout Jacek Kulig – the 6 foot 1 menace also enjoyed a fine breakthrough campaign last time out, netting eight goals and providing four assists in all competitions as the strike partner to new Liverpool addition, Darwin Nunez.
Such form has seen the Portugal U21 international – who has 14 goals in just 18 games at that level – also likened to German legend Thomas Muller, with Ramos himself having even given his backing to such claims.
The £12.6m-rated sensation stated: “I think I have some similarities with him and he is also an example for me. Considering what I do and what he does [helping close in midfield or playing closer to the attack to score goals], I like to be compared to him. It’s a position I feel comfortable in in the game. I’ve always played in that position since I started.
“I like to be involved and participate in the game, and I think that brings out the best in me, which is my competitiveness, my willingness to work to help my colleagues; and also my intelligence when it comes to team positioning and organization.”
While undoubtedly a marker of his confidence to liken himself to the Bayern Munich forward, it also illustrates the exceptional talent that he does possess, with Lage and co likely to be delighted if they can have their own Muller in their ranks.
The World Cup-winning marksman has been a truly consistent goalscoring presence over the last decade or so – for both club and country – having scored 227 goals and provided 245 assists in 626 games in all competitions for the Bavarian outfit, while also chipping with 44 goals in 116 games at international level.
A lethal goal-getter as well as a real creative force in attack, the versatile gem has that innate ability to make the telling impact in the final third, while possessing that vital gift of finding himself in the right place at the right time in the penalty area.
If Ramos is able to showcase anything like that kind of talent then those of a Wolves persuasion could well be in for a treat, with adding a Muller-esque forward no doubt what is needed to solve their goalscoring woes.