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Gary O'Neil hints at Wolverhampton Wanderers setback in striker search

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 25 January 2024

O'Neil hints at Wolves setback in striker search

Head coach Gary O'Neil hints that Wolverhampton Wanderers have suffered a setback in their efforts to sign a new striker during the January transfer window.

Head coach Gary O'Neil has hinted that Wolverhampton Wanderers are struggling to facilitate the arrival of a new striker in January.

The West Midlands outfit have impressed in the final third during 2023-24, scoring 30 goals during their 21 Premier League fixtures and generally producing attractive football.

However, allowing Fabio Silva and Sasa Kalajdzic to move to Rangers and Eintracht Frankfurt respectively on loan has left Wolves short in the final third.

Their issues with FFP have been well-documented, yet freeing up space on the wage bill through that double departure and other players leaving Molineux has led to expectations increasing over the arrival of fresh faces.

That has been echoed by O'Neil in previous interviews, with the Englishman acknowledging that work is being undertaken by the club's recruitment team behind the scenes.

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O'Neil celebrates after the match on November 11, 2023 © Reuters

Nevertheless, speaking to reporters at a press conference ahead of Sunday's Black Country derby against West Bromwich Albion in the FA Cup fourth round, O'Neil revealed that the task is proving more difficult than initially anticipated.

As quoted by the Express & Star, O'Neil said: "Me, Matt Hobbs and the recruitment team have done an awful lot of work on a couple of options.

"We had a meeting yesterday and it looks like they're not going to be doable financially for us, at this point. We're back to looking at other options that we might be able to do.

"It's disappointing firstly because we felt like we were making some headway on a couple, but it looks like they're not going to be doable."

Chelsea forward Armando Broja celebrates scoring against Preston North End on January 6, 2024. © Reuters

Wolves have been linked with a number of forwards in recent months, including Armando Broja at a time when Chelsea are said to be open to offers.

To complete a deal, though, Wolves would have to be prepared to commit to at least a loan with obligation to buy, allegedly for at least £35m, and the likelihood is that such a transfer is now off the table.

The same can also realistically be said for Paris Saint-Germain's Hugo Ekitike, who is available to leave the French giants but is yet to find a club willing to meet their terms.

Should Wolves not sign a new striker, teenager Nathan Fraser is expected to remain in the first-team squad behind the likes of Matheus Cunha and Hwang Hee-chan.