Wolverhampton Wanderers might have pulled off a brilliant last-minute deal to sign Southampton’s Mario Lemina this summer.
The report states that the loan deal includes an obligation for Wolves to sign him on a permanent deal next summer and details about the clause is what has delayed the signing. Wolves wanted to include a number of games played (30) for the option to be forced upon but the report reveals that they will have to buy him regardless.
The Daily Echo revealed last week that fellow Premier League side Everton had enquired about signing the Gabonese international but the Toffees have since completed the signing of Jean-Philippe Gbamin from Bundesliga side Mainz to fill the void in defensive midfield.
Lemina, who joined the Saints from Italian champions Juventus back in the summer of 2017, has played 52 games so far in all competitions. The 25-year-old managed just 21 games in the Premier League last season due to an abdominal strain but when fit, he is a real asset to any side.
Wolves are on the verge of an exciting adventure in the Europa League and a player of Lemina’s quality and experience will be brilliant for them. The former Juventus man will provide stiff competition to Leander Dendoncker in the number six position and under Nuno Espirito Santo, he could well take his game to the next level next season.
An initial loan deal with the reported mandatory purchase clause is brilliant business by Wolves who have already spent a fair amount in the transfer window with the signings of Pedro Neto from Lazio and Patrick Cutrone from AC Milan so far.
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