Wolverhampton Wanderers have had a quiet transfer window compared to their last few summer transfer windows as they have only made two loan deals into permanent deals – signing striker Raúl Jiménez and defensive midfielder Leander Dendoncker. Wolves need to add more players ahead of a difficult season where they will have to play in another hectic competition, after qualifying for the Europa League.
The Premier League side are reportedly interested in signing Mainz’s Jean-Philippe Gbamin ahead of the 2019-20 season. The 23-year-old Ivory Coast international is reportedly available for anywhere between €30 and €40m, and Wolves and Mainz are set to have discussions regarding a deal. Bild are reporting that Ligue 1 side AS Monaco are the other side interested in signing the versatile player this season.
Gbamin has played for the German club since 2016 having joined the side from Lens. The 23-year-old was a part of Ivory Coast’s African Cup of Nations squad and is expected back in training at Mainz in the first week of August. Gbamin played 33 games for the German team in the 2018-19 seasons in multiple positions, scoring two goals and providing one assist for his side.
What will he add to the team?
Gbamin is a versatile player who played as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder and centre-back for Mainz last season. Although originally a centre-back, he played almost every game as a defensive midfielder or central midfielder last season.
A technically sound player, Gbamin is strong and has the energy and work-rate to dominate the opposition. A good dribbler of the ball and a player who is defensively solid, Gbamin can be the anchor in midfield or even play as a central defender at the Molineux. A ball-playing footballer, Gbamin could be used in a back three/five for Wolves where he can move forward with the ball at this feet and supplement attacks or initiate them.
He made an average of 1.6 tackles while completing an average of 43 passes per game last season in the Bundesliga. Wolves manager Nuno Espírito Santo will most likely use Gbamin as a central defender as the Premier League side do not have too many options at the heart of the defence. Wolves have Willy Boly, Ryan Bennett, and captain Conor Coady as options in central defence, while we aren’t quite sure if Roderick Miranda, who was on loan at Olympiacos last season, has a future at the Premier League side.
Gbamin could be an excellent signing for Wolves and one that will fit in well with the system that the Wolves manager employs.
