Why Wolves should make a move for Moritz Bauer

Matt Doherty suffered a knee injury earlier this month that saw him miss the first leg of the second qualifying round of the Europa League against Crusaders FC last week.

Doherty, 27, was one of Wolves’ standout performers from the last campaign as he contributed with four goals and five assists in 38 Premier League games. He was ever-present for the Wanderers, who finished on the table upon their return to the top-flight.

Injury to the Republic of Ireland international before the start of the new campaign should be a worry for Nuno Espirito Santo. With as many as four competitions to juggle, Nuno must beef up his squad.

Doherty was relentless last season, playing in every single league game for Wolves. And while he will love to keep the streak alive, it’s high time for the Midlands outfit to sign a back-up for the 27-year-old wing-back.

Back in January, the Express and Star had claimed that Wolves were interested in signing Moritz Bauer from Stoke City. The deal didn’t come to fruition then but Nuno’s side must reignite their interest in the defender and sign him ahead of next week’s transfer deadline.

Moritz Bauer, 27, had joined Stoke from Rubin Kazan in January 2018 but couldn’t help the club avoid relegation. He managed only 11 appearances across all the competitions last term as the Potters failed to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

The Austrian international should be eager to play at the highest level again after spending a year in the Championship.

Wolves should provide him with a Premier League lifeline, as Nuno’s side need cover at right wing-back with Matt Doherty, Jonny Castro Otto and the left-sided Ruben Vinagre their only senior wing-backs.

Bauer is a versatile defender who can also play as a right-winger and can operate on the left-flank if needed.

Not only that, his ability to get up and down the right flank, read the defensive side of the game and play in an attacking system is an indicator that he is tailor-made for Nuno’s system and doesn’t require a settling down period.

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The Austrian is a reliable defender and could take his game to the next level under an astute tactician like Nuno.

Verdict

Wolves can certainly lure Bauer with Europa League football, and if Nuno can strike a deal for him, it will surely represent a fantastic piece of business for the Midlands club.

All in all, the Austrian international would be an ideal foil for Doherty at right-wing back and the depth in quality could turn out to be crucial in Wolves’ attempt to achieve a top-6 finish in the league.