WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 5: Gary O'Neil the head coach / manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley FC at Molineux on December 5, 2023 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images)
This month, Gary O’Neil wants to bring in a new offensive player.
Ever after the summer transfer of Gary O’Neil, Wolverhampton Wanderers have grown to be a formidable opponent.
The Old Gold are presently 12th in the Premier League, which is an improvement given that, prior to Julen Lopetegui taking charge, they were in the relegation battle last season.
However, Wolves are eager to bolster their team in January and are considering a move for an attacker.
Premier League winger linked to Wolves
According to writer Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato, Wolves are interested in signing Said Benrahma from West Ham.
They will, however, have to contend with teams eager to recruit the attacker, such as Lyon, Brentford, and Fulham.
Although a permanent move abroad is the most likely scenario, CIES Football Observatory values the Algerian at £17 million.
How Pablo Sarabia and Said Benrahma are comparable
Pablo Sarabia is said to be leaving Wolves, despite having only moved to the Midlands from PSG this time last year. Real Sociedad is reportedly very interested in the attacker.
The Spaniard has started 11 of Wolves’ 23 games in all competitions this season, but he has only managed to score one goal—that lovely volley against Spurs—and collected eight assists.
In light of this, Wolves may try to cash in on the 31-year-old and utilize the money to aid with Benrahma’s signing at the Hammers, where he occupies a similar position to Sarabia.
David Moyes has used the former Brentford attacker very seldom this Premier League season, usually as a substitute to either start a comeback or rest a vital player.
With five starts and 13 appearances overall in the top division, the 28-year-old has an average of 47 minutes per game.
Actually, though, he hasn’t lived up to the £30 million price tag; in 154 games for West Ham, he has only scored 43 goals. Even with that dismal goal total, he still scores strongly on some crucial indicators when compared to players in Europe’s top five leagues who have similar positions.
Based on the similar profile model developed by FBref, Benrahma and Jack Grealish have certain similarities. Their shared tendency to remain wide on the left touchline makes them an out ball for their respective teams, which is their first commonality.
In the Premier League, the Man City player is comparatively ranked in the top 15% for both progressive passes received and carries, and Benrahma likewise excels in those areas.
As seen by his number of shots, carries into the penalty area, and touches within the box, the West Ham attacker is very direct and enjoys driving into the box to unleash a strike at goal. He can also flourish on the counterattack thanks to this, therefore he would fit well in at
Scout Antonio Mango says that overall, Benrahma has a ton of “quality,” and a new setting may help him resurrect his career. It is reasonable to believe that O’Neil would bring out the best in the winger given Wolves’ recent progress as a unit.
