Wolves sign defender Ryan Bennett
Centre half Ryan Bennett has become Wolves’ first signing of the Nuno Espirito Santo era after joining on a free transfer.
The 27-year-old – who was recently released by Championship rivals Norwich City after five years at the club – has penned a three year deal
Sheffield United were also interested in signing Bennett but Wolves have landed him on a free transfer.
Sporting director Kevin Thelwell said of Bennett: "He’s got a lot of experience. He's played in the Championship which is important, but he’s also played in the Premier League.
“I think he’s been unfortunate to not play as games as he should have done at Norwich.
“With him being out of contract, he seems like a really solid take for us.
“We know him as a good guy and we think he’s going to add value to the football club."
Bennett, who moved the Canaries from Peterborough for £3million in 2012, is a player the club have tracked for some time.
He made 37 appearances for the Carrow Road club in 2016/17.
Bennett said of the move: "You speak to people and this club’s stood out with the ambition and the way they're going to move forward.
"That’s what stood out to me and it’s something that I want to be part of.
“I’m not going to sit here and lie about it - that's the reason I’ve come here, I don't want to sit and play in the Championship really.
"That’s what we’re going to try and do, we’re going to try and get promoted from the Championship this year.
“I’ve played in the Premier League and that's something that everyone wants to do.
“I’m lucky enough to have done it but I want to do it again - you won’t speak to anyone who’s done it, who doesn't want to do it again.
"You will see the ambition that’s going to come out from the club and the way that things are going to move forward and you’ll notice that within the first few months of the season."
Wolves are in the market but at least two central defenders this summer in the wake of Mike Williamson leaving the club and Richard Stearman’s loan deal from Fulham expiring.
Rio Ave centre half Roderick Miranda is also thought to be close to moving to Molineux for a fee of around £2.5m, as reported yesterday.
The 26-year-old worked under Nuno for two seasons.
Discussions are ongoing with a number of transfer targets and the Express & Star understands that despite the addition of Bennett Wolves are leaning heavily on Portuguese agent Jorge Mendes for signings this summer.
