Heartbreaking Farewell: Wolves’ standout player João Gomes has confirmed his departure to………..read more.
Wolves wrapped up the latest transfer window with eight new signings, with Brazilian midfielder André and striker Jørgen Strand Larsen standing out as the headline additions.
On the flip side, the club parted ways with key players like Pedro Neto and Max Kilman, while also missing out on several targets.
This frustration is all too familiar for Molineux supporters, as Wolves have previously fallen short in securing players like Enzo Fernández, who eventually joined Chelsea, and striker Ivan Toney, who nearly signed for the club in 2014.
However, these aren’t the only near misses Wolves have endured, with an even more significant one occurring during the Bruno Lage era.
In the summer of 2021, Wolves were in the market for a top-tier forward and had their eyes on AC Milan’s Rafael Leão. According to reports from Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Wolves were in discussions with Milan over a potential transfer. Despite being represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes, which should have given Wolves an advantage, Leão ultimately stayed with Milan.
Since then, Leão has blossomed into one of the world’s most dynamic attackers. He has scored 59 goals and provided 51 assists in 213 appearances for Milan, and in 2020, he set a Serie A record for the fastest goal, netting in just six seconds against Sassuolo.
Leão’s exceptional speed and power have made him nearly unstoppable, and his value has soared, with Milan now placing a £100 million price tag on him.
Wolves’ missed opportunity has stung even more considering their struggles with forward signings, including the £27.5 million transfer of Gonçalo Guedes in 2022, which didn’t pan out as hoped. Leão, who has attracted interest from top clubs like Barcelona, could have been a perfect fit for Wolves, making their failure to sign him all the more painful.
