Wolves Opinion: Why Nuno should go all out for AS Monaco’s Keita Balde?

Back in November 2018, the Tuttomercatoweb claimed Wolves were interested in signing Keita Balde, who was on loan at Inter Milan from AS Monaco.

The Senegal international, 24, managed five goals and three assists in 24 Serie A appearances for Inter Milan. Now the Sky Sports claim Inter are not expected to turn the forward’s loan spell permanent this summer.

Keita Balde’s future at Monaco remains unclear but the report says the 24-year-old is open to a move to the Premier League. He still has three years left on his contract with Monaco and is valued between £22m and £26m.

Keeping everything in mind, Wolves must reignite their interest and sign Keita Balde this summer.

After enjoying a brilliant season in the Premier League, Wolves will be looking to bring in some quality players in order to help them break into the top six next term. The Wanderers have made a huge impact this campaign and will play in the Europa League qualifiers. Competing with European teams won’t be an easy task, so Nuno Espirito Santo has to beef up his squad over the summer transfer window.

The Midlands club showed real ambition in the transfer window last summer by recruiting some quality players from Europe. One of them was Raul Jimenez, who was a revelation in the 2018/19 campaign that made Wolves turn his loan move from Benfica into a permanent one. Diogo Jota, Jimenez’s partner up front, also hit top form of late and helped Nuno’s side finish seventh in the standings.

Regardless of Jota doing well, there is a lack of depth as far as Nuno’s options in the forward department are concerned. Wolves will be just an injury away from crisis next season if it remains the same and thus, the Portuguese tactician should address it by bringing in Keita Balde.

Keita’s loan move at Inter wasn’t productive which is why the Serie A club are reluctant to sign him on a permanent basis. But Wolves must take a look at his contributions for Lazio if they are to really assess Balde before signing him.

The Spain-born Senegalese was an absolute beast at Lazio, bullying defenders with his pace, power and physicality. He may have failed to replicate those performances for Monaco and Inter, but it’ll be silly to deny his talent and attacking prowess. If Nuno can get the best out of Keita, he will have real talent on his hands; particularly if the Senegal international can strike up a partnership with Jimenez at the Molineux.

Verdict

At 24, Keita certainly has his career’s best years ahead of him.

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If Wolves manage to sign him, the ex-Lazio ace will offer Nuno with additional options in attack. His versatility also means that the Portuguese manager will find it easier to accommodate him in his attacking setup, thus making him a smart addition for the Wanderers.