Why Wolves should sign Moritz Bauer from Stoke City
According to a report in Express and Star, Premier League newcomers Wolves are interested in signing Stoke City right-back Moritz Bauer on loan this month. The Austrian, who joined the Potters a year ago for a fee of around £5m, has fallen out of favour at the Bet365 stadium and hasn’t played a game since September.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s men are looking to take advantage of this situation and get the player on a short-term deal for the rest of this season. Bauer played 15 times for Stoke in the Premier League last season before getting relegated.
He has played three times in the Championship this season but was left out by manager Gary Rowett as the latter felt that the player was undermining the team spirit by posting on social media shortly before the game against Blackburn (h/t Express & Star).
That being said, here’s why Wolves should make a move for the Austrian this month and get him on loan:
Wolves need depth in the wide defensive areas
Wolves have made a fantastic start to life in the Premier League. Nuno’s men look like an established top-flight team given the way they play and the consistency they have produced. Until now, the Old Gold have got points off every top-six team in the league except Liverpool, who they defeated in the FA Cup.
Hence, the quality and style of play at their disposal are working wonders, especially after some good business done in the summer. The likes of Joao Moutinho in the midfield and Rui Patricio in goal are providing experience to the team, which is vital in crucial junctures of the game.
With the 3-4-2-1/3-4-1-2 system they play, wing-backs need to be athletic and be able to move up and down the pitch throughout the game. And this is where Wolves are short on back-up.
Matt Doherty starts on the right and Jonny Otto on the left, however, there is no back-up for the former. Ruben Vinagre is present to provide support to the latter when required but Doherty has no one.
Hence, a player who can play at right-back or on the right wing would be a perfect signing for the team, and an ideal backup for Doherty. Bauer fits the bill perfectly. Thus, Wolves should do everything to get the player on loan for the remaining four months.
