The Old Gold could secure a shrewd signing by landing this talented winger.
Over the next few months, Wolverhampton Wanderers have a lot to work out. Although Gary O’Neill deserves all the praise for his efforts at Molineux, a promising season ended abruptly, and it is now crucial to make moves to bring in players who can advance the squad the next season.
Negotiations have already taken place to sign Southampton’s Che Adams, whose contract expires in one month, while Manchester City and Newcastle United are leading the chase for Pedro Neto, the £60 million-rated star from Wolves.
There is still more to be done, but O’Neil has demonstrated his abilities, and there is reason for optimism because the team is already planning Neto’s replacements in the event that he leaves.
Wolves are planning to replace Neto.
Wolves are reportedly in the running to sign Viktor Tsygankov, who has been a major factor in Girona’s incredible season, which has seen them qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their 94-year history (pending UEFA clearance due to shared ownership with Manchester City). This information comes from Spanish outlets AS and Grada1, via Sport Witness.
With a reported market value of €28 million (£24 million), the Ukrainian is coolly weighing his alternatives prior to the transfer window’s formal opening.
How Wolves would be a good fit for Viktor Tsygankov
The 26-year-old Tsykangov has had a rather nomadic career, but he has consistently shown his talent; commentator Ben Mattinson referred to him as “seriously talented” at the beginning of the season and questioned how he was still playing under the radar.
Over the past five years, the in-demand player has proven effective wherever he has played. Although he has not been as strong in front of goal for Girona, his performances have been crucial to the team finishing in the top four of La Liga, and talent scout Jacek Kulig has praised him for his “outrageous” abilities.
In fact, according to Sofascore, this season in the Spanish top division, the right winger has made 11 great opportunities, completed 83% of his passes, and averaged one tackle and 3.5 ball recoveries per game.
While Neto’s injury-plagued season saw him play in just 18 games, he still managed to rack up nine assists and seven major opportunities in the Premier League. Tsygankov, on the other hand, appears to possess the fundamental skills that might make him a great substitute.
Tsygankov’s combination of creative and hardworking defensive qualities is evident as he is among the top 19% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for assists and the top 9% for clearances per 90, according to FBref.
In this sense, Neto, a dynamic winger who has been praised by his manager for his “absolutely incredible” technical ability, would be a worthy successor to the £23k-per-week ace. This season, Neto has averaged four ball recoveries and 3.5 successful duels per game in the Premier League, highlighting his energy and tenacity.
Wolves will have some extra cash to improve the team in a variety of ways if O’Neil’s Portuguese maverick is sold, and Tsygankov would be the ideal replacement on the wing.
