Wolverhampton Wanderers came agonisingly close to landing jet-heeled Dutch attacker Jurgen Locadia from PSV Eindhoven.
It’s difficult to be critical of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ transfer activity. After all, they broke the all-time Championship record to land Porto wonderkid Ruben Neves for £15.8 million (BBC), while also landing Diogo Jota from Atletico Madrid and reinforcing the defence with a number of much-needed additions.
However, the lack of a natural goalscorer could once again hold Wolves back this season. Though Nouha Dicko and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson were far from prolific last season, letting the duo leave for Hull City and Reading leaves the unproven Leo Bonatini as Wolves’ only natural centre-forward.
Therefore, you wonder whether they will live to rue failing to land Jurgen Locadia on transfer deadline day. The Express and Star report that Wolves had agreed a £10 million fee only for Eredivisie giants PSV to get cold feet at the last minute and call off a move.
And this only added to Wolves’ frustrations, after previous attempts to lure Jordan Rhodes, Nelson Oliveira, Jordan Hugill and Dwight Gayle came to nothing.
And though Locadia’s record of three goals in all competitions last season is far from prolific, it must be remembered that he missed the majority of the season through injury and, when fit, often featured out wide.
On form, and when playing through the middle, Locadia is a fearsome attacker who scored a decent 49 goals in the previous four seasons combined. At the age of 23, he is only going to get better and his natural pace and physicality appeared to make him a perfect fit for the hustle and bustle of Championship football.
Instead, however, Wolves will be praying that Bonatini hits the ground running – and the likes of Helder Costa, Jota and Ivan Cavaleiro can pitch in with double figures this season.
Otherwise, all their good work this summer may be undone.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
