Wolverhampton Wanderers peered into the January transfer window – overseeing just four dealings. How have their January signings fared in 2017 so far?
After a summer of upheaval at Molineux, which saw Wolves begin the pre-season campaign with Kenny Jackett at the helm, before appointing – then sacking – Walter Zenga before the end of October, current boss Paul Lambert was afforded little scope for further investment in the side by wealthy owners FOSUN international.
Indeed, having previously spent close to £20m on the likes of Ivan Cavaleiro, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Romain Saiss, Wolves would have been hopeful of a productive 2016-17 campaign. However, a season full of inconsistencies, including a flirtation with a relegation battle, ensued before Lambert oversaw a climb to relative safety with a post-January run of form.
The Wolves manager’s four dealings in the transfer market included three permanent moves, in addition to securing the loan services of a former Lambert favourite during their time together at Aston Villa.
But which of Lambert’s four signings has proven to be the best piece of business thus far? HITC Sport rates Wolves’ January signings out of five.
Andreas Weimann
In an attempt to solve Wolves’ goal scoring issues, the forward was brought in on loan from Championship rivals Derby County towards the end of the transfer window. Weimann has become an important part of the first team after making his Wolves debut against Norwich City – with the former Villa man playing a crucial role, bagging two goals, in the five game winning streak throughout March and early April.
Verdict: A superb addition to the team. 4/5
Ben Marshall
Another player managed by Lambert during the Wolves boss’ managerial career, Ben Marshall was signed from Blackburn Rovers for a fee believed to be in the region of £1.5m. Since establishing himself in the line-up, following a required period to regain fitness after a lack of playing time towards the end of his time at Ewood Park, the versatile Marshall has completed 90 minutes on just three occasions to date – and is winless from the trio of games.
Verdict: Marshall should prove to be a useful signing, despite few headlines so far. 3/5
Helder Costa
Admittedly not a new addition to the squad, the talismanic Helder Costa was signed on a permanent deal to end his loan spell at Molineux from Benfica. Undeniably Wolves’ player of the season, during an otherwise chaotic campaign, Costa’s January signing was believed to be in the region of £13m – a clear indication that FOSUN intend to help Wanderers improve their quest for Premier League football in the near future. Costa has proven to be worthy of such a transfer fee, as Wolves’ top scorer has ten goals and eight assists from midfield.
Verdict: A fantastic signing – Wolves may struggle to hold on to Costa during the summer. 5/5
Duckens Nazon
Perhaps the most left field January incoming at Molineux was 22-year-old Duckens Nazon – who was signed on a free transfer from Indian Super League outfit Kerala Blasters. The French-born Haitian international forward is yet to make a senior appearance for Wolves, but does have two goals and one assist from his three games with Wanderers’ under-23 side; where Nazon is yet to play a full 90 minutes.
Verdict: Unproven and no impact on first team matters. 0/5
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