Why Wolves should ignore Raul Jimenez and seal Swansea City deal | OneFootball

Wolves are keen on bringing Raul Jimenez back to the club, but a deal for Swansea's Zan Vipotnik may make more sense in the long-term.

Wolves are in the market for at least one new striker this summer, as Rob Edwards looks to build a team that can bounce back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

With Adam Armstrong in the squad, Wanderers do have someone who is proven at Championship level, but, aside from the ex-Southampton man, there will be major concerns about where the goals are coming from.

There are doubts over the futures of Sasa Kalajdzic and Tolu Arokodare, with Wolves lacking depth up top behind the two target men, who have both had different issues since arriving at Molineux.

So, it's a position they will address, and it will arguably be the most important signing that Wolves make in the window.

Wolves are considering emotional return for Raul Jimenez

A host of names have been linked with Wolves since their relegation, and the most exciting one is Raul Jimenez.

The Mexican international needs no introduction to fans, as he is a modern day legend at Wolves, having starred for Nuno Espírito Santo’s side, which was the best team seen at Molineux in decades.

With Jimenez’s contract at Fulham set to expire, he will be available on a free, so bringing him back would make a lot of sense.

This is a player who has scored goals in the Premier League this season. Jimenez found the net nine times for the Cottagers, which comes on the back of 12 goals in the 2024/25 campaign, so there’s no doubting his ability.

When you add in his experience, love for the club, and how it would improve the mood among the fan base, it’s fair to say Jimenez ticks a lot of boxes for Wolves.

Wolves should have concerns over potential Raul Jimenez deal

However, there’s no getting away from the fact that this would be a signing with the short-term in mind, and that has to be a concern.

At 35, Jimenez may not have long left at the highest level, and, given all he has achieved in the game, will he have the same hunger for success?

We know that the Championship is a demanding, unforgiving, physical league, and it may not be what the ex-Benfica man needs at this stage of his career.

Plus, if Wolves do win promotion, what happens then? Jimenez will be 36, and there would be huge doubts over whether he could play a big role in the top flight at that age.

Some will say that would be a nice problem to have, but Wolves have agreed a deal for Kieran Trippier, who is in the same bracket, so it’s about getting the balance right.

Wolves should pursue Zan Vipotknik as a priority this summer

One alternative to Jimenez is Zan Vipotnik, who has enjoyed a brilliant season with Swansea, where he scored 23 goals, and he should be the sort of profile that Wolves try to get this summer.

Firstly, and crucially, he should guarantee goals at this level. As mentioned, he did it last season, and you would expect Vipotnik to replicate that in a Wolves side that should boast more attacking talent than Swansea.

Anyone who has seen the Slovenian play will see that he can score different types of goals. His movement is excellent in the box, he is capable of good one-touch finishes with both feet and his head, and he is also intelligent with how he occupies defenders and links play.

Furthermore, at 24, Vipotnik is still not at his peak, and, unlike Jimenez, he could play a big role at Molineux for the next decade.

There are still question marks about whether Vipotnik can become a Premier League player, and he may not have the career of Jimenez overall, but if he did help Wolves go up, you would expect him to play a more prominent role.

The ex-Bordeaux man would also arrive in the Black Country with a different mindset. Jimenez’s legacy at the club is already secured, but Vipotnik would have a hunger to prove himself.

Obviously, the Swans would command a substantial fee for their star man, and there may be a temptation to get Jimenez on a free.

In truth, either signing would be smart for Wolves. However, if they are thinking with the long-term in mind, pursuing Vipotnik should be the priority, even if it could prevent Jimenez’s emotional return to the club.