Adama Traore in action for Wolverhampton Wanderers. (imago Images)
According to journalist Ekrem Konur (h/t ESPN), Valencia are looking to make a potential offer for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Adama Traore. The winger has been dazzling the Premier League yet again this season, but Valencia could now swoop in for the player.
A product of Barcelona’s La Masia academy, Traore moved to England in 2015 and joined Aston Villa. However, he moved to Middlesbrough a year later before joining Wolves in 2018, after they secured Premier League qualification. Since then, he has been one of their best players and has done a good job at helping the club stay far off from the relegation zone.
Could he now go back to Spain? And can Wolves afford to leave their star man?
Since joining the club in 2018, Traore has made nearly 150 appearances. Thus, his levels of consistency are to be admired, while he has also contributed 28 goals at the same time. Although these are not monstrous numbers, the Spaniard played as a wing-back for the longest time, and his defensive duties were just as important as his responsibilities going forward.
However, under Bruno Lage this season, he has been turned into a proper winger. While he is yet to contribute to a goal this term, his energy, drive and incredible speed has created a bunch of chances for his side. The 25-year-old clocked the second highest speed (22.12mph) in the Premier League this season, a huge asset for any side.
Thus, Valencia would definitely benefit from him. Jose Bordalas is a great tactician and would certainly find a suitable role for the winger in his 4-3-3 formation. Alongside Helder Costa, Carlos Soler, Alex Blanco, and Yunus Musah, the Spanish international could add a lot of quality in the wing area.
But this move would hurt the Midlands club. The attacker is a great outlet for Bruno Lage, and with Pedro Neto’s injury issues, Traore has a lot of importance at the club. In fact, he has started in all but one game under the Portuguese boss this season. And without him, they could be further down the table than the favourable 8th spot they sit in currently.
Moreover, it is a new era at the club, and it is crucial to retain your best players during such a scenario– something the winger certainly is.
The La Masia graduate has a little over 18 months on his current contract at the club but is yet to sign a new deal. If an extension cannot be agreed upon between the concerned parties, it will be a real problem for Wolves. This is because they might have to take a decision on his future knowing that they risk him leaving for nothing in 2023.
Valencia would also be aware of this contractual situation and could use it to their advantage. Moreover, they also provide him with the prospect of returning to a league where he failed to make it big. These factors could play a role in a potential move and create doubts over the player’s future at the Molineux.
Lage has Wolves playing attractive football, despite not having the best start to a season. If they wish to progress from here, they must retain Traore’s services. They are interested in offering him a three-year extension, but the attacker must sign it. He is certainly one of their biggest assets, and they would be hoping the player understands that too.
