£12m star told he’s free to leave as Wolves eye Lopetegui reunion in 2023

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Wolves could reunite Julen Lopetegui with Marcos Acuna in the Premier League with La Colina de Nervion reporting that Sevilla face an ‘urgent need’ to get the £12 million Argentina international off their wage bill in 2023 

If Sevilla want new signings in January – and they most certainly do, the perennial Champions League chasers heading into the World Cup break stuck in La Liga’s relegation zone – then some sacrifices will need to be made first.

Acuna, arguably La Liga’s finest left-back in 2021/22, has slipped behind Manchester United loanee Alex Telles in the pecking order since Jorge Sampaoli replaced Lopetegui at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. 

And, as such, Sevilla have already informed the former Sporting Lisbon flyer that ‘must look for a way out’ in the New Year.

At least, with a bargain £12 million price-tag on his head, Acuna is unlikely to be short of offers. 

Julen Lopetegui could reunite with Sevilla’s Marcos Acuna at Wolves

Molineuz is one potential destination (Vamos mi Sevilla). Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Lopetegui got the best out of Acuna during their time together at Andalusia, after all. Villarreal are also showing an interest.

As are an Inter Milan side prioritising a replacement for the out-of-favour Robin Gosens.

Acuna, aggressive and all-action, turned 31 in October. Wolves do not tend to make a habit of signing players the wrong side of 30, however. And it remains to be seen if Lopetegui can convince the club’s bosses to take a punt on a player who has started just half of Sevilla’s 14 La Liga matches in 2022/23. 

Acuna would add some experience and bite to a rather callow Wolves side. He’s a real threat in the final third too; his swashbuckling style and devilish deliveries laying on plenty of chances. On the other hand, his arrival would risk stunting the development of Rayan Ait Nouri and the ever-improving Hugo Bueno. The latter has been one of the few bright sparks in a dismal season for the Old Gold. 

“He is working very well. He’s got consistency. His response (to life at a new club) is very good,” Lopetegui said after signing Acuna back in 2020.   

“He’s a competitive boy, who understands the game and who is helping us. He’ll help us a lot during the season, I have no doubt.” 

Acuna started Argentina’s 2-0 win over Mexico at the Qatar World Cup on Saturday.