Why this 12-goal Premier League poacher could be an outstanding signing for Wolves

Wolverhampton Wanderers earned promotion back to the Premier League by winning the Championship title last season. Now Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo must be thinking about strengthing his side as they will be competing against the big boys of English football next season.

The summer transfer window is open and Wolves are in the market to find suitable players to bolster their squad, and West Ham’s Javier Hernandez would be a great signing for the newly-promoted Premier League outfit. Here’s why:

Direct upgrade

Wolves scored 82 goals en route to becoming the Championship champions last term but goals can get hard to come by in the Premier League.

Leo Bonatini was an important player for Wolves last season, with the striker scoring 12 and setting up six more in 43 league games. But Nuno will want a proven Premier League goalscorer in his squad, and Hernandez would be a quality upgrade for Wolves as they can rely on him to deliver the goods up front.

Although Hernandez endured a tough season with West Ham as he struggled for game time and goals, the Mexican is a specialist in putting the ball in the back of the net.

Suited to Wolverhampton’s pressing game

Nuno’s team established themselves as a team which were recognised for their pressing game in the Championship last term. Wolves pressed from the off and forced their opponents into mistakes before looking for a quick counter-attack.

Hernandez, who is known for his work-rate and energy, would be an instant hit in such a system as he wouldn’t let opponents have a second on the ball while pressing from the front. Hernandez can play at a high tempo for the entire 90 minutes.

Poacher extreme

On his day, Hernandez can be a nightmare for any defender. The Mexican international is gifted with exceptional spatial awareness and he uses it to devastating effect very often. The 30-year-old is known to ghost past defenders to move into scoring positions.

The former Manchester United striker also has a sudden burst of pace in him which often helps in leaving his markers for dead.

Wolves, who are a great counter-attacking side, can use Hernandez’s poaching abilities to become deadlier on the break.