Joe Williams looks at how well Wolves summer transfers have performed over the first half the season
Back in the summer, we witnessed the most fruitful influx of talent walk through our doors to sport the gold and black for this season. However, as results have shown, not all have lived up to their heavy recommendations.
So let’s look at the players who were worth the time and money, and those who weren’t.
Andy Lonergan
The first signature of the transfer window and the last of the Steve Morgan era, many saw him as they did with Adam Le Fondre last season as a solid backup candidate. The goalkeeper however has yet to live up to this assumption. He debuted at the end of October following Carl Ikeme’s injury but has yet to manifest his ability between the posts. Yet, he may be given a second chance as Ikeme is set to be side-lined once again. C –
Helder Costa
One of the five associated with Portuguese giants Benfica. Although at the club on loan, the 22-year-old has arguably had the most impact on the remains of Jackett’s outfit from last season. Quick, direct and a keen eye for goal Costa has brightened up the wing with his credentials and Wolves fans will hope Wolves can keep him past his loan spell. A
Silvio
A previously well regarded and prestigious full back among the ranks of Atletico Madrid and Benfica, the former Portuguese international he’s been forced to reside away from the action in recent months due to several recurring injuries. Last seen on the pitch at the end of October and with only 180 minutes under his belt, Silvio will hope he can force himself back into Lambert’s plans or Wolves may not renew his one-year contract come next summer. D+
Joao Teixeira
Showed the promise to unlock championship defences across the league when he initially arrived back in August, with an undeniable wealth of skill and optimism about the midfielder, many are now scratching their heads at what has happened to him. In reality he has only been benched twice and missed out on Wolves’ trip to Loftus road due to suspension, but likewise he hasn’t looked the same since scoring that brace against Brentford at the end of September. B –
Jon Dadi Bodvarsson
Like Teixeira, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson seemed to be the solution to our lack of goals in the 15/16 season when he arrived at Wolves. The 6ft 3in Icelandic International posed a surprising amount of agility and ability to cause a rift in an oppositions back line but has only picked up two goals to his name, his last coming against Birmingham in August. Although he is clearly shot for confidence like a number of players, this lapse in goals are present throughout his career, yet here’s hoping he can regather himself for the rest of the season as he is a clear talent under the right circumstances. B
Prince Oniangue
Little was known of the Frenchmen initially however once settled the Congo captain managed to solidify his name into the three-man midfield of Walter Zenga’s team. A box to box man with a fair range of abilities allowing him to adapt his game in different segments of the pitch, but his 11 appearances to date were halted due to an injury but could be set for a return to the pitch in the coming weeks. B –
Cameron Borthwick-Jackson
The Manchester United academy product has a confident but level headed presence when called upon. He hasn’t had too many disastrous mistakes in defence and has the quality to move forward with the ball. Yet, there are numerous reports that he may well return to Old Trafford come January which would be a shame as he is a capable prospect for Wolves at just 19-years-old. C-
Ola John
As little has been seen of the Dutchman due to being side-lined with injury also, it would be unfair to dictate if he’s been a successful acquisition or not. Hopefully he is given the chance as he was highly rated at Reading last term. D
Paul Gladon
Another native to the Netherlands and has likewise been unable to break into the first team frame. However, this is not the result of injury. He hasn’t been on a pitch since September and has been cut out of the squad for almost two months. Before Dicko’s return it isn’t half surprising as when he was present on the field he looked lost and wayward from the flow of play. He’ll be hoping his hat trick for the development squad will have made people remember he’s at Wolves. F
Romain Saiss
Romain Saiss is arguably the most underrated additions to our squad, his performance at QPR perfectly demonstrated what he can bring to the team. He managed to tie the defence and midfield together with his presence and his passing ability set up a number of attacking opportunities for our forwards to utilise. A great talent that could well fill the void that was left by Kevin McDonald. B +
Richard Stearman
After his departure back in August, 2015 and Mike Williamson’s setback we have suffered at the back with the lack of experience that was previously available. Nonetheless, his sensational return on deadline day made him the most anticipated inclusion to the Wolves line up at the start of the season. Although he hit a rough patch during Zenga’s short tenure he is now hoping he can reinforce his case to be one of the first names on the team sheet. C
Ivan Cavaleiro
The final piece of Fosun’s sensational transfer splurges and broke our transfer record fee at a reported figure of around £7 million. Again, the winger is another to fully live up to his price tag, although he does show signs of quality, a submergence of confidence could well be affecting his game. Otherwise, he is one of the better players on our flanks and should be given the time to gel under the circumstances. C+
How do you think the new players have done? let us know on Twitter, @wwfcfancast or Facebook, Wolves Football Fancast Show
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