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Do it Nuno – Wolves splashing £20m+ would get them a top-quality future star

Why Dael Fry would be a brilliant long-term investment for Wolves

Back in September, TEAMtalk (h/t the Birmingham Mail) had reported that Wolves are one of four high-profile Premier League clubs keeping tabs on Middlesbrough defender Dael Fry.

Dael Fry, 22, has impressed for hometown club Middlesbrough since making his debut as a fresh-faced 17-year-old in 2015. The defender has captained the Riverside-based club this season and is very highly rated by manager Jonathan Woodgate. (h/t the Birmingham Mail)

The 22-year-old, who is also on the radar of Manchester City, Tottenham and Everton, has made 16 appearances in the Championship this campaign. Middlesbrough might be forced to cash in if they receive an offer in excess of £20million, the report adds. (h/t the Birmingham Mail)

Middlesbrough defender Dael Fry in action. (Getty Images)
Middlesbrough defender Dael Fry in action. (Getty Images)

Wolves’ main centre-back trio of Willy Boly, Conor Coady and Ryan Bennett haven’t performed according to their standards this campaign, with Boly been out of action since he broke his fibula in the build up to the game with Newcastle back in October. He has been stepping up his recovery at Compton in recent weeks.

Romain Saiss, meanwhile, has deputised in central defence since Boly got injured but Wolves have looked shaky at the back without the presence of the Frenchman. Also, on-loan Real Madrid defender Jesus Vallejo hasn’t lived up to the expectations at the Molineux, meaning Nuno Espirito Santo has had to use Leander Dendoncker in a back-three.

It’s very clear that Wolves need defensive reinforcements if they are to balance their European adventure and Premier League football. To put things into perspective, a young and talented centre-back like Dael Fry could be a wonderful long-term investment for the Wanderers.

Fry has quickly evolved into one of the best young centre-backs in the Championship and his performances for Boro haven’t gone unnoticed.

He has won the 2014 U-17 European Championship, 2017 U-20 FIFA World Cup and the 2018 U-21 Toulon Tournament with the Young Lions, and a move to Wolves could help the 22-year-old stake a claim for a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s senior England squad.

Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo celebrates after the full-time whistle. (Getty Images)
Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo celebrates after the full-time whistle. (Getty Images)

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So far this season, Fry has averaged 1.1 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 4.8 clearances and 1.1 blocks, whilst winning 4.3 aerial duels a game. [Courtesy: WhoScored.com] However, ball distribution is one of the centre-back’s biggest weaknesses as his passing accuracy is a disappointing 75.8%, a figure which needs to improve if he’s to cut the mustard in the top-flight.

Verdict

There’s no doubting that Nuno could help Fry iron out the flaws from his game. At the age of 22, the English central defender has a long way to go in his career and a move to Wolves could help him unlock his true potential.