Rating Wolves’ summer signings – Have Nuno Espirito Santo’s transfer dealings paid off?

Analyzing Wolves’ new signings – How has each one fared so far

Wolverhampton Wanderers won the EFL Championship in 2017/18 and were automatically promoted to the Premier League. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side won 30 of their 46 Championship games, scoring 82 goals. They finished nine points clear of second-placed Cardiff City.

The Molineux Stadium-based side then headed into a summer of heavy investment and Santo’s summer signings were a major statement of intent. After all, Wolves must aim to mount a serious challenge to finish in the upper echelons of the Premier League table.

Wolves currently sit 11^th on the log after four games. They have collected five points from a win, two draws and a loss. They came close to recording a shock win against favourites Manchester City but still held on for a memorable draw. Here we look at how each of their summer signings fared so far.

Wolves Signings’ Ratings

1. Diogo Jota 6.0/10

   Signed from Atletic Madrid, Jota has started all of Wolves’ games in the top flight. Averaging 71 minutes per game, the 21-year-old Portuguese is still struggling to adapt to the demanding nature of the Premier League. The forward is yet to make his mark.

2. Adama Traore 7.8/10

   Signed from Middlesbrough for £18 Million. He is yet to start and has had to contend with making cameos in three games. The Spaniard came off the bench to score the crucial goal against West Ham United in added time. His strike handed Wolves their first win in this campaign.

   

3. Raul Jimenez 6.8/10

On-loan striker Jimenez has scored a goal in four starts. Wolves signed him from Benfica for a loan fee of  €3    Million. He has averaged 89 minutes per game and has missed three big chances, needs to improve significantly.

4. Leo Bonatini 7.0/10
   

   After impressing in the Championship last season, Wolves made his initial loan spell from Al Hilal permanent for €4 Million. Bonatini is yet to open his Premier League account. He has had to start on the bench and is yet to make a start. He provided the all-important assist for Traore’s match-winning goal last time out. Scored the first goal in the 2-0 EFL Cup win against Sheffield Wednesday.

5. Leander Dendocker 5.5/10
   

   He is yet to feature in the Premier League. Signed from Anderlecht, the Belgian midfielder’s only outing was the EFL Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday. Featured out of position at right back. Completed 64 passes with a 91% accuracy.

   

6. Joao Moutinho 7.5/10

The Portugal international signed from Monaco. He has started all four games averaging 88 games per game. His best game in a Wolves shirt came against West Ham. He has created two big chances and has an assist to his name.

7. Ruben Vinagre 5.9/10

   Has only made three Premier League cameos averaging seven minutes per game. Since his move from Monaco, he has only started in the EFL Cup win.

8. Johnny Castro 7.1/10

   Signed on loan from Atletico Madrid, he has started in all the four games played. Castro has managed 2.0 interceptions, 2.3 tackles, 6.0 duels won and 1.8 clearances per game. Arguably, his best game came against West Ham. He is on an upward curve since the opening game against Everton.

   

9. Willy Boly 8/10
   

   Boly was signed from FC Porto after a successful loan spell last season. The Frenchman has hit the ground running in the Premier League. He has started all the four games. Boly has won 1.5 interceptions, 1.5 tackles, 5.5 clearances and 6.0 duels per game. He scored the important goal against Manchester City.

   Read More: 3 quality free agents Wolves could sign in January including this Premier League winner

10. Rui Patricio 7.1/10
    

    A major coup signing on a free from Sporting CP. He has started in all four Premier Leagues games conceding 1.3 goals per game. He has a clean sheet and made 3.0 saves per game.