Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly identify a Premier League forward as a potential replacement for Pedro Neto.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly opened discussions with Brentford regarding a deal for Yoane Wissa.
Over the weekend, it was confirmed that Pedro Neto had ended his long-term association with the West Midlands outfit in order to sign for Chelsea.
With Wolves recouping £54m from that deal, Gary O’Neil has been provided with a substantial war chest for the remainder of the summer transfer window.
O’Neil acknowledged on Saturday that he was eager for Wolves to bring in more Premier League experience, a result of their other additions since the end of 2023-24 possessing none.
There is no shortage of players who fit that criteria on the market, yet it appears that O’Neil and sporting director Matt Hobbs have already made their move for a fresh face for the final third.
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Wolves make approach for Wissa
According to The Telegraph, Wolves have instigated discussions with Brentford for Wissa.
The 27-year-old was largely unknown when he left Lorient to move to the Bees in August 2021, even having contributed 10 goals and five assists in the previous Ligue 1 campaign.
However, he is now viewed as a proven Premier League attacker with an impressive 26 goals and seven assists coming in 102 outings in England’s top flight.
Wissa has also only missed four league fixtures across the last two campaigns, also chipping in with his best return of 12 strikes and three assists in 2023-24.
Brentford will undoubtedly want to retain the services of the DR Congo international at a time when the future of Ivan Toney is up in the air and Igor Thiago will be sidelined for a number of months through injury.
Nevertheless, Wissa having less than two years on his contract becomes more notable when Brentford may be prepared to risk losing Toney on a free transfer in 2025.
Although a transfer fee is not mentioned by journalist Mike McGrath, talks are said to be ongoing with Wolves having the financial firepower to sign a player who cost in the region of £8.5m three years ago.
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Wissa the perfect fit for Wolves?
Wolves are stacked with attacking players who can be deployed in more than one role in the final third and Wissa fits the bill on that front.
Wissa switched between the flank and the centre last season, largely depending on whether Toney featured in the starting lineup.
The downside to a switch to Molineux is that, unlike at Brentford, Wissa would not necessarily be first choice, which represents a realistic stumbling block even if a fee is agreed.