Wolves backed to sign multiple British stars in January as new details emerge – pundit
Noel Whelan has backed Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui to add a swathe of “home-grown” stars in January ahead of a “tough relegation battle”.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Midlands side no longer have a “happy balance” in their squad after an influx of Portuguese stars in recent years.
According to The Times (16 December), Wolves want to sign six players in January – with new manager Lopetegui wanting to target British players.
Lopetegui got off to a winning start at the Midlands club, beating League Two Gillingham 2-0 on Tuesday (20 December) to advance to the quarter-finals of the League Cup.
However, Wolves sit rock bottom of the Premier League as they prepare to return to top-flight action against Everton on 26 December.
As per Transfermarkt, foreign stars have played 89.6% of the total minutes for the Molineux club this season – the most of any Premier League side.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I always think having a British core makes a real difference.
“It goes back generations.
“It’s so important to find a happy balance of your British lads and the international, quality players – and Wolves haven’t got that right now.
“I think seeing some home-grown lads who will live and die by Wolves will help the fans feed off that energy in what is going to be a tough relegation battle.
“The manager’s got to find that balance quickly – it’s crucial.”
In other news, Wolves are on course for “£20million” sale after Fosun green light.