Why Adama Traore could be the missing piece in Wolves’ jigsaw
As per reports, Premier League new-boys Wolverhampton Wanderers are ready to test Middlesbrough’s resolve by meeting Adama Traore’s release clause.
The former Barcelona boy’s release clause is around the £18m mark and with less than three weeks remaining until the transfer window shuts down, Wolves look certain to be the first club to test the Championship club’s water.
Middlesbrough, however, are reluctant to let Traore go after the Spaniard improved his work-rate and end product massively under the guidance of Tony Pulis last season. But Wolves must look at every possibility to lure away the flying winger to Molineux as they prepare for Championship challenge from next month onwards.
Traore joined Middlesbrough from Aston Villa in the summer of 2016 and however, for much of his time at Boro, he has failed to impress.
He just managed an assist in the entire campaign as Middlesbrough were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2016/17 season, with Aitor Karanka receiving the sack in March 2017.
Garry Monk took charge of Boro in the Championship but he failed to get the best out of Traore. Monk was dismissed and replaced by Tony Pulis on Boxing Day last year, which actually led to the club’s upturn in fortunes and also Traore’s form.
Under Pulis, the 22-year-old looked like a beast and ended the season with 5 goals and 10 assists. The high-flying winger was also a huge reason why Boro were able to make it to the Championship play-offs despite such an awful start to the season.
The Wolves have already shown their ambition in the summer transfer window and must take a step forward to sign Traore from Middlesbrough.
Traore started to show signs that he can fulfil his potential, with his explosive pace and trickery terrorising Championship defences throughout the last season. The Barcelona product is fresh, young and a dynamic talent. He deserves to play in the English Premier League.
Traore could certainly add a very different dimension to Wolves’ attack. His pace and directness can wreak havoc in the opposition defence, and while his end product is still progressing, the 22-year-old has the ability to get fans off their seats.
The winger can be frustrating at times due to his lack of end product and reckless approach that saw him get sent off twice for Boro but he is a real gem to have in the squad.
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At 22, Traore is expected to only get better and unlock his true potential in the next few years. He could be the missing piece in Wolves’ jigsaw and his arrival will surely help Nuno Espirito Santo’s side achieve their Premier League ambitions.