Wolves’ pursuit of PSV Eindhoven winger Noni Madueke has lasted two years, and with each passing transfer window, the probability that he signs for the West-Midlands club shrinks, as the Englishman’s stock continues to soar.
Last summer, the club were linked with a £30m move for the former Tottenham youth prospect, after becoming a key player for the Dutch Eredivisie club over the last two seasons.
However, PSV’s valuation proved too much on that occasion, and now Manchester United, Leicester, and his former club Spurs all have been credited with interest – and should Wolves still be in the hunt for the 19-year-old, they will have to battle top six teams and other European giants for his signature.
Jeff Shi could have signed him two years ago though, while the in-demand star was still just 17, and with a price tag that was a lot cheaper.
Now, he is one of the most exciting prospects in world football, and the England U21 manager Aidy Boothroyd believes he can follow in the footsteps of a certain Manchester City superstar.
“He’s certainly a very talented young man, really excited to be called up by the Under 21s, and a little bit like Phil Foden last time, nobody had really heard of him until he came and played in the tournament,” Boothroyd said.
“They knew a little bit about him but that set him off on a trajectory and we’re hoping Noni can create even more positive attention for the way that they play. He’s got a lovely infectious character that comes out even over the phone.”
Madueke has appeared in 29 games this season for PSV, having struggled with injuries throughout the year, but has still managed an impressive return of nine goals and two assists.
A diminutive winger, capable of cutting onto his favoured right foot, he is a similar type of player to Pedro Neto, but with more pace, aggression on the dribble, and more of a clinical edge.
Having Madueke at the club would not only have helped Wolves with registration rules – which they are set to struggle with next year unless they offload players, he would have pushed players like Neto and Daniel Podence on, improving them game by game and keeping competitions for places healthy.
As a result, it was a bit of disaster that they failed to sign him, particularly now his value is rocketing with each passing match.
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