Wolverhampton Wanderers have confirmed that they have completed the permanent capture of Mexican striker Raul Jimenez in a club-record deal.
The 27-year-old has enjoyed a stunning first season in English football, scoring 18 goals in all competitions - including past the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea - to help the Midlands side up to seventh in the Premier League and into the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
Wolves signed Jimenez on an initial season-long loan from Benfica last summer but have now taken up their option to purchase the player for a fee believed to be £32m.
The deal, which will come into effect when the transfer window opens on July 1, will keep Jimenez at Molineux until 2023.
RAUL IS STAYING! #RaúlSeQueda
— Wolves (@Wolves) April 4, 2019
🇲🇽✍️ pic.twitter.com/7jPQwC8vnx
Wolves sporting director Kevin Thelwall told the club's website: "The impact Raul has made during his short time at the club has been fantastic and we're delighted that he'll be part of the club's long-term future.
"From the second he walked through the door, he settled straight into the group, and that reflects in his performance, with Raul providing assists and overall selfless performances, as well as obviously goals. His goals in the Premier League and FA Cup have been vital to this season's success and we're looking forward to seeing him contribute even more during what will be an exciting end to the season in both competitions.
"Raul's permanent signing shows the ambition of this football club and the determination to make sure the future is an exciting one."
Jimenez added: "It's a great honour for me to now be a permanent member of the team. I'm very happy for this permanent deal as I feel that being at Wolves suits me. I've enjoyed my time here, I enjoy playing in the pitch and, along with all my teammates, we try our best in all the matches to win.
"I want to make history here at the club. With my teammates, I want to put the club back into the top places in the Premier League. I think we all want that and have that ambition."
Wolves have broken their transfer record four times since wealthy Chinese owners Fosun took over the club almost three years ago, with Jimenez's transfer fee comfortably surpassing the £18m spent to bring in Adama Traore last summer.
Neil Wilkes
