Wolves are overpaying for talented but inconsistent Rafiki Saïd | OneFootball

Rafiki Saïd looks set for a big money move to Wolves. Standard Liege, who are struggling financially, will not be able to believe their luck that Wolves are willing to spend €10m on the Comoros international. Yes, Saïd is talented and I am certainly a fan of the winger, but there is no chance that he is worth that much. Wolves are overpaying, and this only puts pressure on Saïd to live up to the transfer fee. Harsh, given that it was not his fault that Wolves are going to spend so much on him, but sadly that is just the way football works.

The 26-year-old Saïd only joined Standard Liege last summer and proved a decent pick up for a side that was operating on a limited budget. He was entertaining to watch, a throwback to when wingers wanted to beat their man and look to score. He grabbed eight goals in 38 games for the side. Yet he also caused frustration amongst fans with inconsistent performances. It was clear he had the talent, but consistency was an issue. At the end of the season it was clear that Saïd was well suited to the Pro League and perhaps had found his level?

Wolves clearly liked what they saw, but while such large sums are common in English football, €10m in the Belgian Pro League is a lot of money. Only the really top performing players in the league go for double digit fees, and while Saïd performed well for Standard Liege at times last season, he is certainly not in the top tier of players in Belgian Pro League.

Saïd can play in two main positions, either out wide or up front. He is better out wide when he can isolate against a full back or take advantage of space on the counter attack. However, when we compare him to other wingers in the Pro League, it is clear why the fee Wolves are set to part with is eye opening. Using FotMob’s comparative data, Saïd created less chances than 90% of the leagues left sided wingers, although he did have more shot attempts than 78% of wingers. His crossing success rate was 24.7% last season and he completed 46% of his dribbles.

You would think Wolves might have learnt after spending more money on Tolu Arokodare last season from Genk. Now the Nigerian was one of the best players in the Pro League, leading the way in terms of goals. However, he struggled for Wolves in the Premier League but may do better in the Championship.

Hopefully, Wolves are vindicated in their decision and Saïd takes to the Championship well. As I said, I am a fan of his and enjoyed what he brought to Standard Liege last year. However, I did not expect to see him leave for such a large sum of money after last season.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson