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“Outscoring Cunha, a Huge REGRET for Wolves”- The Wanderers will Keep Reeling after missing Out on this SENSATIONAL Star, who’s once a Target for Gary O’Neil, now worth £66m. You won’t believe what happened
When Gary O’Neil was managing Wolves, he made it clear he wanted to sign a new centre-forward to partner Matheus Cunha.
In January 2024, Wolves were actively looking for a striker and were linked to several potential targets.
One of the names discussed was Chelsea’s Armando Broja, but he ultimately joined Fulham on loan for the remainder of the season.
Another player on Wolves’ radar was Che Adams, with links surfacing in both the winter and summer transfer windows. However, Adams eventually joined Serie A side Torino on a free transfer.
The only player Wolves signed during that period was Noha Lemina, the brother of former captain Mario, who joined on loan from PSG.
However, the 19-year-old wasn’t the only forward O’Neil had in mind from PSG to strengthen his attacking options.
Wolves Eyeing Hugo Ekitike in 2024
One notable target for O’Neil was Hugo Ekitike, who was looking for a move away from PSG in early 2024.
Wolves expressed interest in the French forward but couldn’t agree on financial terms with PSG, allowing Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt to swoop in and secure his signature.
Ekitike joined Frankfurt on loan with an option to buy in the summer, a deal triggered after he contributed six goal involvements in the second half of the 2023/24 season.
In April, Frankfurt sealed the deal for the highly-rated striker for a modest £13.8 million. Meanwhile, Wolves brought in Jorgen Strand Larsen on loan later that summer.
Since joining the Old Gold, Strand Larsen has been solid, scoring seven goals across all competitions. However, his numbers are far from matching Ekitike’s breakout form in Germany.
Ekitike’s Explosive Growth and Value
While Wolves initially felt relieved at not securing Ekitike due to concerns over his fitness, the striker has since proven them wrong.
Since making his permanent move to Frankfurt almost a year ago, he has flourished into a prolific goal-scorer.
Ekitike has netted 18 goals in all competitions for Frankfurt, including 13 in the Bundesliga — a total that surpasses Matheus Cunha’s 15 goals this season.
Cunha, who has also attracted interest from top clubs, has a £62.5 million release clause ahead of the summer, while Frankfurt’s CEO, Markus Krosche, has valued Ekitike at around €80 million (£66 million).
In less than a year, Ekitike has developed into one of Europe’s most dangerous centre-forwards, with Liverpool now among the clubs chasing his signature.
This rapid rise is a reminder of what Wolves missed out on, making Fosun’s decision not to meet his wage demands all the more regretful.
