Former Wolves Paul Lambert was keen to bring Preston North End attacking Callum Robinson to Molineux in January.
If Paul Lambert had remained Wolverhampton Wanderers’ manager beyond the end of last season, who’s to say he would not have sought a reunion with his former Aston Villa youngster Callum Robinson at Molineux.
After all, The Mail reported in January that Wolves were planning a £2 million move for the energetic forward, who had enjoyed a fine first couple of months at Deepdale after arriving from Villa in 2016.
By the time the summer came around, however, Lambert had been replaced at Wolves by the former Porto and Valencia boss Nuno Espirito Santo. And, thanks to the financial muscle of owners Fosun International and the connections of their close confidante, the super-agent Jorge Mendes, Wolves started to look at bigger names than Robinson.
In came Diogo Jota, the winger on loan from Atletico Madrid who has arguably been the standout player in the Championship this season. The Express and Star claim that Wolves will attempt to tie the Portuguese down to a permanent deal in January.
Meanwhile, Leo Bonatini looks a fine addition in attack, the Brazilian scoring seven goals in 11 starts since arriving on loan from Al Hilal. The form of both Bonatini and Jota, coupled with the impressive displays of Ivan Cavaleiro and the return from injury of Helder Costa, means it is difficult to see where Robinson would have fit in at Molineux.
The 22-year-old can play all across the frontline but his performances for Preston in 2017/18 also suggest that he would have struggled to complete with Jota and co at Wolves.
Eight of Robinson’s 11 Championship appearances this season have come from the bench and he has just one goal to his name. Overall, the attacker’s form has dipped since those January rumours emerged.
Robinson has now committed his future to Preston until 2020. But, on this form, its unlikely Wolves would’ve revived their interest anyway.
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