Wolves comment: Terriers would add bite to the pack
As the nights get lighter and the temperature increases, we are starting to think about the summer – and who Wolves might sign.
Of course, the club’s approach depends on whether the European dream is achieved or not, but – either way – Nuno Espirito Santo’s ranks are sure to be bolstered.
And there are a couple of players Wolves should seriously consider snapping up in the close season.
Relegation-bound Huddersfield have managed to do the double over Nuno’s charges this campaign and two of their midfielders have impressed in both games – a 2-0 win for the Terriers at Molineux and a 1-0 victory for them at the John Smith’s Stadium.
Nuno may not exactly be short of talent in the middle of the park, but – for me – Philip Billing and Aaron Mooy would be worthy acquisitions if the price is right.
Billing, especially, would bring something a bit different to the table.
Standing at 6ft 5in, the young Dane is an imposing presence with the technical prowess to boot.
Leander Dendoncker has plugged the gap for the most part, but you could still argue Wolves lack someone who can influence a game with their stature and skill.
Billing has twice been able to nullify the threat of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho, allowing those in front of him to express themselves more while also playing a huge part in proceedings himself.
And that is where Mooy comes in.
The Australian may not have started on Tuesday night, but – coming off the bench – he gave the Terriers the shot in the arm they needed as they grabbed a last-gasp winner through Steve Mounie.
He was the star of the show at Molineux as well, beating Rui Patricio with a well-placed strike from long range and then outwitting him with a similarly clever low free-kick.
An attacking midfielder is not the highest of priorities – a centre-half and striker are the big areas – but, let’s face it, Joao Moutinho is not getting any younger and Mooy would bring exciting extra competition in that area.
Some will say Wolves should be setting their sights higher than plucking a couple of players from a side who are on their way out of the top flight – but there is an element of risk when it comes to any transfer.
And not all the players from relegated teams should be overlooked.
Georginio Wijnaldum, who experienced the drop with Newcastle in 2015/16, was swiftly snapped up by Liverpool and has gone on to become a key player for them.
Xherdan Shaqiri, who dropped out of the Premier League with Stoke last campaign, has done well for Jurgen Klopp’s team title challengers too, chipping in with a few important goals.
Watford’s Ben Foster and West Ham’s Lukasz Fabianski have been two of the most reliable goalkeepers in the division as well, just after being relegated with Albion and Swansea respectively.
A bargain could be there to be had too.
Huddersfield are likely to be forced into trimming their wage bill and bringing in funds as they adjust to life back in the Championship, and that is where Wolves could step in.
Billing, at 22, ticks a couple more boxes than 28-year-old Mooy and is probably attracting attention from a fair few clubs, but both have valuable experience of top-flight football in this country.
And having endured the lows with the Terriers, they would be determined to prove themselves and revel in the highs with an ambitious Wolves.
