This season has been one to forget for Wolves. No longer are they contenders for European football and instead, they’re languishing in the bottom half of the table.
With that in mind, additions would be timely in the summer.
What’s the word?
Wolves have been linked with a number of attackers in recent weeks but it’s a defender that’s now at the centre of their attention.
According to The Express, the Old Gold are in the race to sign Stoke City’s Harry Souttar.
There is no shortage of interest in the defender this summer with West Ham, and Crystal Palace also considering a move.
Wolves are one of three known teams to have sent scouts to watch the centre-back this season and clearly, they have liked what they’ve seen.
Do you want Souttar at Wolves?
Yes please!
No thanks!
The report doesn’t state the fee he may cost, just that it’s likely a significant bid will have to be made in order to prise him away from the Potteries.
Defensive colossus
The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Fleetwood but he’s made the transition from League One to Championship football look easy.
Standing at 6 foot 6, it’s in the air where Souttar looks so ominous and impressive. So far this season, the Australian has won a considerable 5.3 aerial duels per match.
Compare that to the rest of the Wolves team and it is streets ahead. Willy Boly is the player with the most aerial duels won at Molineux, prevailing in just 2.9 per match.
Boly is known as a wall at Wolves so adding a player like Souttar alongside him and Coady would surely make for an ideal backline.
Strong in the challenge, the defender is also astute when reading the play, making 1.4 interceptions a game this term. Only Boly, Romain Saiss and Ruben Neves have made more at Wolves in 2020/21.
Also impressive is his adaptability. After moving on loan to Fleetwood and standing out, Joey Barton commented: “You don’t know what is going to happen when you bring a young loan player in from another club. He has been outstanding. I think he and the rest of the defence deserve all the plaudits they have been getting recently.”
His ability to transition to different levels has been seen in the jump from Fleetwood to Stoke. With that in mind, he’d surely move seamlessly into the Wolves team too.
Another aspect that catches the eye is his ability on the ball. Despite being incredibly tall, Souttar can play out well.
“He’s a player blessed with great natural attributes. Obviously his height but also he’s got good game intelligence and he’s a great user of the ball as well. That’s something which I think will set him apart from the other defenders in this league,” Stoke boss Michael O’Neill said.
He’d be a brilliant addition for a Wolves side who have struggled defensively this campaign.