If there is one thing Wolverhampton Wanderers What they need in the ongoing relegation battle is to feel committed to their fight to stay within their team. This seems like something Victor Pereira He was looking to hold his own during his short time at the club so far, and that was something previous coach Gary O'Neill instilled.
In the beginning Six matches in all competitionsThe old gold boss oversaw three wins, one draw, and two losses. They have suffered back-to-back defeats in the Premier League to Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. It has been a strong start to his tenure at Molineux.
It seems that almost all of the team members are on board and ready to fight for survival. However, former captain Mario Lemina looks set to leave the West Midlands.
Lemina for the 2024/25 season
It has been a very strange season for Gabonese international midfielder Lemina. He started the campaign as a key player in Old Gold and was awarded Played 19 times Across all competitions. At the start of the season, he was also club captain, although he was stripped of that title.
During mid-December, O'Neill confirmed that the captain was He moved from Lemina to experienced full-back Nelson Semedo.
This came after a quarrel with West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen after the match at the London Stadium. O'Neill confirmed that this “sparked talk” about changing the captain.
Now, the West Midlands outfit could lose the midfielder entirely, in a situation that has escalated rather quickly. Following their 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United, of which Lemina was not part of, Pereira confirmed this “He wants to leave” Molyneux this month.
“With this energy and this mentality, I don't need him,” the new man on the Wolves hot seat explained. It seems certain that the former captain will leave Molineux just one month after being relieved of his duties as captain.
In fact, the Old Gold may already have their replacement in mind and could make a move before the end of the January transfer window.
Dream of Wolves is an alternative to Lemina
The player in question here is Chelsea youngster Renato Vega, with reports earlier in the window suggesting Wolves may have played. I inquired about a potential loan moveWhich the Blues rejected. However, another approach may be a wise choice for old gold.
The 21-year-old has been impressive for Enzo Maresca's side so far this season He played 18 matches In all competitions for the Blues.
He scored two goals and had one assist, scoring a goal and an assist against Gent in the Conference League.
He's clearly left a lasting impression on Blues fans so far, though Alex Goldberg is full of praise For the Portuguese star. “Anything he touches turns to gold,” he explained, which is a metaphor, of course, but still something that shows how well he plays.
One of the biggest advantages of signing Veiga is the fact that the Wolves have something of a utility man in their squad. Described as a “Swiss Army Knife” By football talent scout Jacek Kulig– He can play in more than one position in defense and midfield.
In fact, this certainly rings true when looking at the positions he played with his former club Basel, and of course Chelsea. The Portuguese star is confident in the defense line, at full-back and centre-back, and in midfield.
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Vega's matches for each position with Basel and Chelsea (playing at least 45 minutes) |
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|---|---|---|
|
position |
||
|
Center back |
4 |
2 |
|
Left back |
0 |
13 |
|
Defensive midfield |
14 |
2 |
|
Midfield position |
6 |
2 |
|
Left midfield |
0 |
1 |
|
Statistics from Transfermarkt |
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This should be an attractive factor for Wolves, and one of the reasons why Pereira might want to sign his compatriot. Not only will they bring in a replacement for Lemina in midfield, but also someone who can play as a left centre-back in a back three system.
This certainly seems like the perfect deal for the Wolves. It may be difficult to convince Chelsea to part ways with their star all-rounder, but if it is possible, it could be a great feat for the Old Gold.
