While most clubs are focused on the end of the seasons, Wolves who are currently in seventh place on the table have also been at work securing themselves a new permanent striker in the form of Raul Jimenez.
Bonusbets.com looks at the record £30 million pound signing and the career of this Mexican player.
When the season started Jimenez arrived at Wolverhampton as a season duration loan. This was his first Premier League club, and he has certainly worked hard for the team scoring 15 goals in the 37 games that he has played for them.
Speaking about his signing, which ties him to the club until the season ends in 2023 the 27-year-old said “I want to make history here at the club. I want to put the club back into the top places in the Premier League. I think we all want that and have that ambition. It’s a great honour for me to now be a permanent member of the team.”
Before coming to the UK, Jimenez played for Benfica where he had been since 2015. In 2014 he spent the season with Atletico Madrid racking up 31 goals in 120 games. He plays nationally for Mexico and at the 2012 Olympics was instrumental in securing the gold medal when the team met Brazil. His late substitution saw him score the winning second goal that gave them a 2-1 victory. In the 2018 World Cup, Mexico got to the last 16 but this time lost to Brazil. However, Jimenez has played 71 international games and scored 16 goals in those games. His career started at Club America and won Liga MX titles twice. He also had a consecutive win of the Primeira Liga title in 2015/16 and 2016/17. At that time he also secured the Portuguese Cup and Portuguese League Cup.
Wolves have never paid so much for a player with their last record signing being Adama Traore which cost them 18 million in August 2018. This addition means that they have now spent £164 million with owners Fosun and broken their own transfer record five times now.
Kevin Thelwell who is the Sporting Director at Wolves confirmed their respect for the player and their delight in signing him saying The impact Raul has made during his short time at the club has been fantastic and we’re delighted that he’ll be part of the club’s long-term future. His goals in the Premier League and FA Cup have been vital to this season’s success, and we are looking forward to seeing him contribute even more during what will be an exciting end to the season in both competitions. Raul’s permanent signing shows the ambition of this football club and the determination to make sure the future is an exciting one.”
The news has been met with excitement among fans and players; it is clear that Jimenez is a popular member of the team as a loan to permanent deal are generally not such a big deal.
