Why Wolves must not hesitate to sign Saidy Janko in the summer
As per a report from The Sun, Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers are planning a move to sign FC Porto defender Saidy Janko, who is currently on loan with Championship club Nottingham Forest.
The 23-year-old has impressed in his handful of appearances for Aitor Karanka’s side this season, which has prompted Wolves’ boss Nuno Espirito Santo to consider signing him in the summer. (h/t The Sun).
Janko started out his footballing career at hometown club FC Zurich, before moving to England and joining Manchester United in 2013. However, the Swiss right-back failed to make the jump to the Red Devils’ senior team and after a short loan stint with Bolton Wanderers, he departed for Scottish giants Celtic in the summer of 2015.
Having featured sparingly in his debut campaign, Janko was shipped out on loan to Barnsley the next summer. He spent a whole season at Barnsley, before securing a permanent move away from Celtic. This time, he joined French outfit St. Etienne in the summer of 2017.
The 23-year-old went on to make 22 appearances across all competitions in his debut season in France, making a solid impression despite failing to score or assist a single goal.
Porto came calling in the summer and the Portuguese heavyweights immediately loaned him out to Nottingham Forest. Since arriving at City Grounds, Janko has made 5 appearances so far in the 2018/19 season.
Known for his pace and natural attacking intent, the former Switzerland youth international provides a constant outlet down the flanks with his surging forward runs. He has the ability to produce a solid end product as well. A sharp passer of the ball, Janko is an able dribbler and is also a largely reliable presence at the back, with his strong tackles and ability to recover possession.
After a brilliant last season that saw them lift the EFL Championship trophy, Wolves have made a solid start to their Premier League campaign. After nine matches in the ongoing campaign, the Midlands’ outfit are sitting 9th in the table with 15 points. In fact, they are a point and a spot ahead of Janko’s former employers Manchester United.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo has done a brilliant job since taking over at the Molineux last year, building a squad that is capable of competing at the top level. However, there remain a few areas that still need addressing – one of which is the right wing-back spot.
Wolves have the reliable Matt Doherty as their first choice for the wing-back slot on the right. However, but they lack cover for the Irishman in the squad. And that is something the Portuguese gaffer must address heading into the next season, which is where Janko comes into the picture.
The former Celtic player’s natural attacking approach makes him a perfect fit for the wing-back role and he is equally comfortable playing on the right side of a back four as well. Occasionally, he has also been used as a left-back.
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A versatile operator with his best years ahead of him, Janko has played in England before. Hence, signing Saidy Janko could be an effective move for Wolves.
