Wolverhampton Wanderers target Wu Lei has been tipped to leave Espanyol for a stint in the Premier League by former Manchester United striker Dong Fangzhuo, in quotes translated by CGTN.
While debates can certainly be had about whether this Chinese footballing legend could be on his way to Molineux for sporting or marketing reasons, the prospect of joining one of the most ambitious clubs in Europe must appeal to Wu Lei.
After all, his Espanyol side are a sinking ship at present, submerged in a relegation battle and drifting aimlessly towards relegation.
Though Wu Lei must take his share of the blame for Los Periquitos’ struggles, with just four goals in 27 La Liga appearances this season, he is expected to be handed a life raft and a safe passage to a calmer waters.
Marca reported last month that Wolves are interested in a player they have tracked since 2018, with the Chinese Super League’s all-time top scorer a target for a club bankrolled by Chinese billionaires.
So far, only six footballers from the Far Eastern nation have ever played Premier League football and one of those, Dong Fangzhuo, has told Wu Lei to follow in his footsteps.
“Will Wu Lei stay if Espanyol gets relegated? I think he’d better move to England no matter how Espanyol will finish the season,” said a striker who’s one and only Manchester United appearance came during a goalless draw at Chelsea in 2007.
“In my view, Espanyol is no longer suitable for Wu, considering their deficient midfield and their whole set-up. I think he should not choose to stay on.”
Wolves are a little short of natural centre-forwards beyond the Mexican magician that is Raul Jimenez, and perhaps Wu Lei could rediscover his clinical streak among the creative talents of Ruben Neves, Diogo Jota and Joao Moutinho.
He scored 151 goals in 298 games for Shanghai SIPG.
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