Wolverhampton Wanderers may have approached the 2024 summer transfer window with caution, but Gary O’Neil and the Old Gold transfer squad have worked hard to make some promising early additions. While the probable departure of £60 million-rated Pedro Neto hangs on the wall like an unappealing old picture, Wolves have already strengthened with the signings of winger Rodrigo Gomes and left-back Pedro Lima, both young, skilled, and wanted by Premier League opponents. Whether such spending alludes to Neto’s forthcoming sale will become evident in the coming weeks, but considering that O’Neil remains committed to strengthening more positions, there is reason to be optimistic at Molineux.
Wolves are lining up another signing.
According to Dutch outlet 1908.NL, Wolves have been in communication with the representation of Feyenoord defender Thomas Beelen, but have not yet formally approached the Dutch Eredivisie team. The 23-year-old had a fantastic debut season under now-Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and would cost the Old Gold around £17 million to sign from Rotterdam.
Thomas Beelen’s style of play
Beelen joined Feyenoord after they had won the Eredivisie title, and while he spent much of the first half of the season as a substitute, the latter few months have shown a different image, with Beelen starting 13 of Feyenoord’s final 14 league games.
And he impressed; according to Sofascore, the Dutchman completed 92% of his passes during the season, averaging 4.7 ballb recoveries per game and winning 73% of ground duels.
Wolves would be wise to sign him before the number of suitors grows, especially because West Ham United are reportedly looking to sign captain and star defender Max Kilman for £45 million, according to Fabrizio Romano. While the Dutch top division is expected to provide a lower collective quality than the Premier League, Beelen’s ball-passing and carrying metrics attest to his suitability, particularly when compared to Kilman’s. The Wolves captain is undeniably an impressive defender, as evidenced by his high price tag, but £45 million is a lot of money, and if O’Neil and sporting director Matt Hobbs can channel it toward an intriguing new signing, such as Beelen, it could be a coup.
With O’Neil generally succeeding in instilling his counter-attacking system in Molienux despite being appointed under difficult circumstances, Beelen could be the ideal complement to bring it to the forefront.
With so much pace, Wolves emphasise runs in behind, and Kilman is crucial to their success, as evidenced by a blazing Premier League heatmap that highlights his athleticism and ground-covering expertise, as well as an amazing average of 4.7 ball recoveries per game. Now examine the fact that Beelen outperforms the 27-year-old in every meaningful category. Whether this translates into Premier League performance remains to be seen, but he’s rapidly rising and would be an exciting signing, potentially leaving Wolves with a nearly £30 million profit.
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