With Tammy Abraham out of sorts and Roma the lowest-scoring team in Serie A’s top eight, Eldor Shomurodov must be wondering what more he could do to force his way into Jose Mourinho’s starting XI.
The £15 million centre-forward only stayed at the Stadio Olimpico over the summer after being assured of his place in Mourinho’s plans. Since then, Shomurodov has played 85 minutes of football. Just 49 of those have come Serie A. Shomurodov hasn’t even been included on the team-sheet for any of the Giallorossi’s 17 games across all competitions.
“(Mourinho) made it clear to Shomurodov that no one was pushing him out of the club. Or that anyone wanted to give him away,” the Uzbekistan international’s agent explained in October. “Mourinho said: ‘five matches at Roma are better than 15 (elsewhere).’
“As a result of talks with Mourinho, with Roma, we concluded that we are staying in Rome. Mourinho keeps repeating that Eldor will have a chance.”
Actions speak louder than words, however. And Mourinho’s ‘actions’ are hardly those of a man who believe Shomurodov can be relied upon to produce the goods for a Roma side looking to secure a place in the promised land of Serie A’s top four.
Wolves can offer Roma striker Eldor Shomurodov a fresh start at Molineux
“Of course, we do not intend to be content with just the status of being a Roma player,” Kahor Muminov, Shomurodov’s representative, adds in conversation with Sport Express.
“We’ll check the clock in the winter. If there is no progress, we will make a decision. He is 27 years old. He still wants to play in Europe.”
If there was one positive Wolverhampton Wanderers supporters could take out of Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Brentford, it’s that January is now one game closer. Light at the end of a dark tunnel. By then, Raul Jimenez should be back in action. And, while Sasa Kalajdzic’s own return still feels like lightyears away, the winter window should provide a golden opportunity for Wolves to strengthen an attack that – despite the introduction of veteran free-agent Diego Costa – remains the most wasteful in the Premier League.
Toothless Wolves need some bite
According to Gianluca di Marzio, Wolves showed an interest in Shomurodov before investing £15.5 million in 6ft 7ins Kalajdzic. Now, with his status unchanged at the Stadio Olimpico, the former Genoa frontman arguably needs Wolves as much as they need him these days.
The impending arrival of Ole Solbakken from Bodo/Glimt – they of that 6-1 victory in 2021 – will push the now-£7 million-rated Shomurodov even further down Mourinho’s pecking order.
“Now, Shomurodov practically does not play. Ihave said before that it is up to him to decide whether to play somewhere or stay at Roma. Shomurodov will leave during the winter window, probably,” former Uzbekistan international Jafar Irismetov tells Metaratings; comments made in hope as well as expectation.
“He’s only played (a few) games. And, besides, he is not in the starting line-up.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
