Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis has said that he hopes that "best buddy" Adama Traore is successful at new club Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Traore, who was signed by Wolves on Tuesday in a club-record £18m deal, is the third big loss to Boro's squad this summer following the departures of Ben Gibson and Patrick Bamford to Burnley and Leeds United respectively.
Speaking to reporters following his side's 3-0 victory over Sheffield United, Pulis admitted that it will be "really difficult" to see the 22-year-old at a new club.
"Adama was my best buddy so to lose him is really difficult," the manager said. "When I came to the club he looked a little bit sullen and didn't have any confidence but at the end he played with a smile on his face and excited a lot of people.
"I hope the supporters understand that ambition to get in the Premier League. You could say, 'stay here and get us in the Premier League' but that's not the way the world works. I wish [Traore and Gibson] all the best.
"I had a chat with Gibbo yesterday and a good chat with Adama and I hope they're both successful at their new clubs. We did offer Adama a contract, a very good contract, but he wants to stretch himself."
Following the departures of Gibson and Traore, Boro are reportedly close to signing striker Jordan Hugill from West Ham United.
Jonny Whitfield
