Wolves have a player on their roster who could make them a modest fortune in the future…
Wolverhampton Wanderers finally broke their winless record this weekend, defeating Luton Town in the Premier League.
The seven-game winless streak may have stalled Gary O’Neil’s development, especially as a top-half finish in the league now appears out of reach, given that two of their remaining three games are against Manchester City and Liverpool.
The 2-1 victory, however, will have given them some confidence, with Hwang Hee-Chan and Toti Gomes scoring to secure a valuable three points.
The return of Hwang from injury could be critical for the Old Gold for the remainder of the season, especially given how impressive he has been under O’Neil this season.
Hwang Hee-Chan’s statistics for Wolves this season
The South Korean is presently in his third full season with Molineux. In his first two seasons, he scored five and four goals, suggesting that he may not reach his full potential in the Midlands.
However, following O’Neil’s hiring, Hwang has had his most prolific return in front of goal since moving from RB Leipzig to the Premier League permanently in January 2022.
Not only has the forward scored 12 goals in all competitions while also providing three assists, but he has surpassed his previous record of seven goal contributions during his rookie season at the club – and there are still four games left for him to add more.
His performances in 2023/24 have established him as one of the best players in the first-team squad, currently ranking second in the top flight in terms of goals and assists (14) as well as second in shots on target per game (0.6), fifth in big chances created (four), and successful dribbles per game (1.3), demonstrating his vast attacking talents under O’Neil this season.
Wolves, along with Matheus Cunha, have two players who, when fit, can wreak havoc for opposing defenders.
The duo should be major players during O’Neil’s second term, and Hwang’s market value has recently increased dramatically due to his performances.
Hwang Heee-Chan’s market value at Wolves
The forward cost the club approximately £12 million in January 2022, making his transfer to the Midlands permanent after joining on a season-long loan deal from RB Leipzig the previous summer.
That cost has proven to be a bargain since then, without a doubt, especially as his market value has increased.
Indeed, according to Transfermarkt, Hwang is currently valued at €25 million (£21.4 million), and this figure is expected to rise in the coming months.
It appears that the Old Gold would earn a significant profit on him if they decided to cash in this summer, but O’Neil will be anxious to keep one of his key players.
Not only have the South Korean gems seen their value increase in recent months, but a Julen Lopetegui signing from 2023, Joao Gomes, appears to be worth millions to the club when he leaves.
How much Wolves paid to sign Joao Gomes
The 2022/23 season will not be remembered as one of their best, as Wolves were on track for relegation until Lopetegui took over following the dismissal of Bruno Lage.
He not only calmed the ship, but also signed players like Cunha, Craig Dawson, Pablo Sarabia, and Mario Lemina, however the arrival of Gomes appeared to be the most thrilling.
The young Brazilian had shone for Flamengo, making over 100 appearances and winning the Copa Libertadores just a few months before his move to the Premier League, ensuring his future seemed extremely promising.
Gomes only cost Wolves £15 million last year, which appears to be a bargain given how brilliantly he has performed and his enormous ability to improve as a player.
Joao Gomes’ Wolves statistics this season
The 5’9 dynamo was quickly thrown into the deep end, making 11 Premier League games for the club between February and May, including scoring on his debut in a 2-1 victory over Southampton.
His consistency this season has been remarkable, missing only four games – two due to suspension – during the league season, demonstrating his value to O’Neil with a string of strong performances from the middle of the midfield.
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Joao Gomes in his previous 32 Games for Wolves in the Premier League , 1 goalJoao Gomes against Tottenham Hotspurs today, 2 goals pic.twitter.com/QU64puEVnZ
— G/A in all Competitions (@GoalsandAssist) February 17, 2024
The midfielder has frequently demonstrated his defensive abilities, allowing him to aid the back three when Wolves do not have the ball. Indeed, when compared to his positional rivals in Europe’s top five leagues, Gomes stands in the top 1% for tackles per 90 (3.98) and in the top 12% for blocks per 90 (1.7), demonstrating his outstanding defensive influence over the preceding 365 days.
Gomes also leads his own squad in tackles per game (3.5) in the Premier League, receiving plaudits from his old Wolves teammate, Joao Moutinho, who said after his debut:
“(Joao Gomes) brings many things. He is a young, talented individual. He’s aggressive, he wants the ball, he wants to play with it, and he finished strong tonight.”
Joao Gomes’ market value at Wolves
Following several strong performances for the Old Gold throughout a successful season, the Brazilian’s market worth has steadily increased in recent months.
According to Transfermarkt, the 23-year-old is now worth €28 million (£24 million), about £10 million more than Wolves paid for him just over a year ago, indicating a sound investment.
Not only that, but the Brazil international is worth more than Hwang, who has undoubtedly been one of the club’s best players this season thanks to his goal-scoring performances.
If Gomes maintains his recent great form, there is no reason why O’Neil cannot create a team around him for the 2024/25 season.
He may not stay at Molineux for long, as his talent might attract a slew of suitors in the summer.
