Premier League newcomers Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly set to sell Molineux youngster Cameron John this summer.
Money comes with a price. As fans of Chelsea and Manchester City have learned over the years, the ability to buy some of the world’s biggest footballing talents means the bright-eyed, homegrown hopefuls waiting in the wings might never get their chance.
With the odd exception, very few young cockneys or budding Mancunians have forced their way into the first-team plans of Chelsea and City over the last 10 years, with many sold or loaned out to lesser clubs as they aim to get their career off the ground.
And could a similar situation be arising at Wolverhampton Wanderers? 18-year-old defender Cameron John is not ‘homegrown’ per se in that he arrived from Southend United back in 2015 but he has spent the last three years honing his trade in the Black Country.
But, according to The Mail (23rd May, 10.50am), John could be sold before he is even given his chance in the first team. The teenager, who can play at centre-half or left-back, is one of Wolves’ most highly-rated talents but it is understood that the club will listen to offers with Brighton, Norwich and Stoke City all interested.
The Mail adds that John could be sold due to the lack of opportunities coming his way. And Wolves are set to spend big again this summer with centre-back an area that will be reinforced, Willy Boly (below) set to make his loan from Porto permanent for £10 million.
Fellow centre-backs Dominic Iorfa and Kortney Hause, meanwhile, have also seen their game-time dry up since the start of last season, the former heading out to Ipswich Town on loan.
So while Wolves fans can get excited about some truly marquee deals, they will have to accept that the path for youngsters could be blocked.
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