Nuno Espirito Santo has turned Wolves into a well-oiled machine during his time with the club, opting for a three centre back formation on most occasions.
And while it has served them well so far, there is definitely room for improvement. Captain Conor Coady is an ever-present in the XI, but often finds himself partnered up with midfielders who seem to be filling a void, more than anything else.
With Willy Boly missing a chunk of the season through injury, Roman Saiss and Leander Dendoncker have been used in defence. It’s done the job as Wolves have only conceded 34 Premier League goals so far this season, but they need to be looking towards other quality options if they wish to continue fighting for European football.
There’s no doubt that Wolves have been impressive but the next step needs to be taken. If they want to maintain such a high level that has exceeded expectations, they have to aim high with recruitment.
Here, 90min shortlists the centre backs that Wolves should consider making a move for this summer…
Nathan Ake
It’s somewhat unfortunate that Nathan Ake still finds himself stuck at Bournemouth, particularly in a season where the Cherries have been notably poor.
Still, the 25-year-old has been a shining light in an underwhelming Bournemouth side, and has managed to uphold some impressive stats in a team that can’t stop conceding goals.
Ake has made 124 clearances and is yet to record an error leading to a goal in the Premier League this season. He has also grabbed two goals and an assist.
Comfortable with the ball at his feet, a clean tackler and a natural leader, the Dutchman would be an ideal candidate to sit alongside captain Conor Coady. The two would complement each other and create a clean, competent back line for Wolves that allows them to continue to play their expansive style, when paired with someone else to keep the back three style.
Potential Price: £40m – £45m
Gabriel Magalhaes
The young Brazilian is the talk of the town at the moment, having been linked to several clubs ahead of a summer move.
Currently plying his trade in France with Lille, Gabriel Magalhaes has established himself as a regular this season, making 34 appearances in all competitions since breaking into the side.
Magalhaes is left-footed and would thus slot perfectly into the left side of a back three. What he lacks in pace he makes up for with tremendous strength and aerial ability, standing at 6ft 3in. He’s a clean tackler, and currently averages an impressive 3.5 aerial duels won per game in Ligue 1.
Potential Price: £28m – £35m
Dayot Upamecano
Another name on everyone’s lips at the moment is that of Dayot Upamecano, who will almost certainly be packing his bags and moving on from RB Leipzig.
With several top clubs seemingly interested in his signature, and Manchester United recently joining the race, Wolves again could face difficulty in completing a deal of this stature. However, it isn’t impossible.
Watching the French Under-21 international in action will tell you why he is so highly sought after. Already, he reads the game well and possesses qualities that allow him to be a solid option on and off the ball. His tackling is assured and precise and his passing is seriously impressive; similar to Magalhaes. He is capable of firing long balls, but holds a much better pass accuracy of 88.8% in the Bundesliga this season.
Champions League qualification would be crucial to Wolves securing the signature of someone so highly-rated. If they can achieve such a feat, funds earned from a top four finish would help them in breaking the bank to secure a deal.
Potential Price: £55m – £72m
Ben White
Moving away from the less likely options into something that could be a very good piece of business, Ben White could be the bargain of the summer for Wanderers.
The Englishman has impressed and made his name as one of the Championship’s best centre-backs this season, and at just 22, fits the mould perfectly with Wolves’ recent preference to recruit young talent.
On loan from Brighton, White has been an ever-present for Leeds in the Championship, who boast the best defence in the league having conceded just 30 goals, keeping 26 clean sheets.
His form as the assured, ball-playing centre back has put him on the radar in England. Leeds would want to secure his services once more should they gain promotion to the Premier League, but Brighton could also do with their academy star as they look to sure up at the back.
However, they could be convinced to cash in and use the money elsewhere. Top clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with White, but nothing is concrete and a project as promising as Wolves could prove perfect for someone of his ilk, where he would most likely get regular game time.
Potential Price: £15m – £25m
Christian Luyindama
Not the first name that comes to mind, but one that has been linked with a move to the Premier League, Christian Luyindama is a more than suitable option for Wolves to pursue.
At 26 years old, he has his best years ahead of him and has been linked with a move to Wolves ahead of this summer’s window. Notably strong and particularly well versed in the air, Luyindama would slot perfectly into Nuno’s back three and become an asset to the club.
He only signed permanently with Galatasaray last summer, but a good enough offer would tempt them to part ways with the DR Congo international. He’s currently recovering from an ACL injury, which might also play a factor in pricing.
Potential Price: £16m – £22m
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