Should Wolverhampton Wanderers sign Alfred N’Diaye on a permanent basis?
Villarreal midfielder Alfred N’Diaye has played a starring role for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the middle of the park and has been in good form ever since he completed a loan move to join the Championship side last year. However, as the Wolves remain steadfast in their quest to earn a promotion to the top-flight, there has been speculation that Nuno Espirito Santo would prefer signing N’diaye on a permanent basis.
The 27-year-old midfielder is definitely experienced enough to be an influential figure for the Wolves next season as well. They are favourites to move to the top-flight once this season comes to an end and they could utilise N’Diaye’s services to ensure they put up a strong fight.
Having spent quite a few months with a club as dynamic as the Wolves, he can adjust to life in the Premier League, and the West Midlands outfit will need all hands on the deck if they do get promoted.
Ever since Dave Edwards left the club, Wolves have lacked a physical presence in the midfield area and N’Diaye has essayed that role quite well for them. Moreover, as per the terms of the loan deal, the Championship club will be obliged to sign him if he makes more than 25 appearances for them and if they secure a promotion to the top-flight.
Both situations look extremely likely since N’Diaye has already appeared 24 times for them and they look set to qualify for the Premier League as well.
If these terms are met, Wolverhampton could sign him permanently for a bargain fee estimated to be around £7.9m. And based on what we have seen so far, N’Diaye has certainly been solid enough to make a strong case for the club to offer him a long-term deal.
He can dominate the midfield quite well and is an effective link between the attack and the defence. Hence, Wolves must keep him once the season comes to an end and his physicality will prove to be advantageous next season.
However, several Wolves fans are understandably unhappy with the way he played against Fulham. The Championship leaders not only lost the game but N’Diaye put in what is being touted his worst performance of the season so far.
That said, one bad display cannot overshadow all the good work he has done in the last few months and the club will be wise to offer him a new contract at the end of the season.