Leeds United wanted Danny Batth in the summer and his place could be under threat again at Wolves despite some impressive recent displays.
Wolves did not only spend big in the summer, they spent intelligently too. In Atletico Madrid loanee Diogo Jota, they have arguably the Championship’s most exciting player, £15.8 million midfielder Ruben Neves is a cut above while John Ruddy and Leo Bonatini look fine additions at either end of the pitch.
With the January transfer window rolling around in a few months, however, Nuno Espirito Santo’s high-flyers are already preparing to improve an impressive squad.
According to Football Ghana, centre-back Rashid Sumaila is expected to join after a series of imperious performances for Kuwaiti side Qadsia SC. The six-time Ghana international, who came close to re-uniting with former Al Gharafa coach Pedro Caixinha at Rangers in the summer, would be the fourth new centre-back to arrive at Molineux since the start of the summer.
One in, one out?
Danny Batth, then, may be set for fresh concerns about his playing time with the Championship promotion chasers. The homegrown skipper has forced his way back into Nuno’s starting XI thanks to a series of impressive recent displays but there remains a feeling that he may not have his manager’s 100 per cent trust.
After all, The Express reported in the summer that Wolves were prepared to let Batth leave with Leeds United very interested in signing him, making a bid of £4.5 million for he and team-mate Matt Doherty.
And if Wolves bring in Sumaila, Batth could well find himself on the bench again. A move to Leeds, however, may come with a guarantee of a far bigger role. Despite landing Matthew Pennington on loan from Everton and the emergence of talented youngster Connor Shaughnessy, there’s a nagging feeling that Leeds are still one centre-half short.
Batth’s Championship experience and leadership skills may be a welcome addition, therefore, to a defence who has conceded eight times in Leeds’ last three Championship fixtures.
If Sumaila signs, Batth should at least consider whether his 17 year association with Wolves is nearing its conclusion.
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