Thirteen days into the January transfer window, Wolverhampton Wanderers are ramping up their recruitment efforts after securing the signing of commanding defender Emmanuel Agbadou earlier this month.
One of the players reportedly on Wolves’ radar is Chelsea’s versatile youngster Renato Veiga.
The 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder joined Chelsea from FC Basel last summer in a £12 million move but is now attracting interest from several clubs.
TalkSPORT reported last week that Wolves had a bid rejected for Veiga, with speculation lingering on whether the club will return with an improved offer.
Meanwhile, German side Borussia Dortmund appears to be in pole position for Veiga. According to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, Dortmund has reached a verbal agreement with the player.
Plettenberg stated on X:
“Borussia Dortmund have reached a total verbal agreement with Renato Veiga. Dortmund now pushing to sign the 21 y/o left-back from Chelsea. Veiga, keen on the move to BVB. Dortmund now trying to find an agreement with Chelsea about a loan deal with an option to buy.”
Transfer insider Ben Jacobs echoed this, adding:
“CFC still deciding if they are prepared to sanction an exit, but Veiga is open to a move. A loan, as Wolves found, less likely as it stands than a formula with permanence, but it’s a fluid situation. It is possible Veiga is sold in January. Chelsea believe his development is on track but Veiga could still ask to leave.”
The Telegraph similarly reported that Chelsea would only allow Veiga to leave on a permanent deal, with a fee exceeding £20 million likely needed to secure his departure.
Wolves’ Other Transfer Targets
While Wolves may struggle to outmaneuver Dortmund for Veiga, they are reportedly exploring other options before the transfer deadline.
Toulouse forward Zakaria Aboukhlal has emerged as a target, with French sources claiming the Moroccan international is on Wolves’ radar. The 23-year-old has been in fine form, scoring six goals and assisting twice in Ligue 1 this season.
Ex-Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho, now at Sevilla, is another potential signing. Both Wolves and Ipswich Town have reportedly made inquiries about the Nigeria international, who could provide much-needed attacking reinforcement.
On the outgoing front, Wolves face a battle to retain midfielder Joao Gomes. The Brazilian, who joined the club in 2013, has attracted interest from Arsenal and Spurs. However, Wolves are reportedly determined to keep the £15 million-rated 23-year-old unless a “huge offer” tempts them to reconsider.
Amid the transfer drama, Wolves are focused on their Premier League survival fight. The team recently secured a 2-1 FA Cup win over Bristol City, advancing to the fourth round, where they’ll face Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.
In the league, Wolves face a tough schedule, starting with a trip to in-form Newcastle United on Wednesday. They’ll then visit Chelsea next Monday before hosting title contenders Arsenal later this month.
Currently 17th in the table with 16 points, Wolves are outside the relegation zone only on goal difference. They’ll need to capitalize on upcoming opportunities to strengthen their position and avoid the drop.
