Five reasons why Benik Afobe's return makes sense for Wolves

He'll provide goals

If there's ever a reason to sign a striker, be it on loan or permanently, this is the one.

While Leo Bonatini still sits joint-third in the Championship top scorer ranks, he can't be relied upon to fire Wolves to promotion.

Indeed, the Brazilian hasn't scored since December 4 against Birmingham City...that's 11 games ago. Meanwhile, Rafa Mir is yet to get off the mark albeit from just four appearances, with three coming from the bench.

Wolves are top scorers in the league but their firepower has diminished in recent weeks with just two goals in five matches, or 12 in the past 12.

While Afobe might not have been prolific in the Premier League, his record outside the top flight is beyond reproach, having notched 22 goals in under 50 league appearances for Wolves before his move to the Cherries.

If Nuno needs goals, Afobe may well be the man to provide them when his other charges aren't firing.

Try before you buy

The issue which scuppered Wolves' chances of grabbing Afobe earlier on deadline day centred around Bournemouth's desire for any loan deal to have an obligation to buy.

Wolves however, are keen on getting a look at their former striker and then making a decision on whether or not to bring him in permanently - and they got their wish late on.

The deal effectively gives Nuno Espirito Santo a chance to get a proper look at Afobe, someone he hasn't worked with before of course, and then decide if he's the man to do the job for them next season.

If he suits Wolves' system and fits in with the philosophy at Molineux, the club may consider a permanent move.

If not, then they can wave goodbye to the striker without complication.

Bournemouth aren't left paying wages to a player who's not on the pitch and Afobe gets the regular football he's been craving – meaning everyone should be happy.

Premier League pedigree

Rate him or not in the top flight, Afobe now has experience in the league which Wolves now seem destined for next season.

Having spent two years in the top tier, bagging 10 goals in the process, he knows all about it.

Wolves' current batch of players are young and lacking in experience when it comes to the pinnacle of English football.

Only a handful of their players have taken to the pitch in the Premier League, but the 24-year-old will add to that experience if he signs on a permanent deal.

Wolves' stroll through the Championship is sure to be nothing like next season's campaign against some of the biggest and best teams on the planet and Afobe's experience (if he stays) could be vital.

Another dimension

While Bonatini is a hard worker and great at linking play, he doesn't quite match-up to Afobe's pace and power.

Big, powerful and pacey he'll add another dimension to Wolves' attack.

Add to that his fine finishing quality and, with the likes of Ruben Neves, Diogo Jota, Helder Costa and Ivan Cavaleiro supplying him, he should be feasting on chances to help Wolves open up their leads against their opponents...something they've failed to do as freely of late as witnessed last weekend when they could and should have beaten Ipswich far more comfortably.

Eleven points clear at the top of the table, Wolves probably don't need a sixth gear - but Afobe could well offer them one.

Redemption

The only sour note many Wolves fans recall about the talismanic striker is the way in which he left Molineux back in 2016.

He admitted to asking to leave the club for Bournemouth, but following his move Kevin Thelwell told fans that the striker 'was no longer trying to play for us.'

His return now gives fans a chance to see him redeem himself in gold and black.

If he scores the goals to fire Nuno's side back to the promised land, then all will be forgiven.

However, much is the love still shown to Afobe amongst the fans, you can imagine they (and the club) have already put that mess behind them.