Wolves

Wolves

Premier League • England

Wolves confirm fifth January signing after raiding Championship club for former Brentford man

Daniel Bentley: Goalkeeper interesting a host of clubs

Daniel Bentley: Goalkeeper interesting a host of clubs

Wolverhampton Wanderers have officially confirmed the arrival of Bristol City goalkeeper Daniel Bentley, who has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal. 

The 29-year-old’s contract also has an option for a two-year extension, as Julen Lopetegui secures a solid backup option to first-choice keeper Jose Sa.

Bentley is unlikely to get too many minutes in the Premier League this season, barring an injury to the in-form Sa, but he could still prove to be an important signing for Wolves.

The English keeper spent his youth career at Arsenal, before joining Southend United in 2009, where he quickly became a key player.

In a seven-year stint with the Shrimpers, Bentley made 160 appearances in total, putting himself in the club’s history books after saving two penalties at Wembley as Southend were promoted to League One via the playoffs.

He joined Brentford in 2016, who at that point were competing in the Championship. Bentley was Dean Smith’s first choice option, making 125 appearances overall for the Bees, before falling out of favour with current Bees boss Thomas Frank.

In 2019, Bentley signed for Bristol City for £2.2m, where once again he has been a key figure, wearing the captain’s armband for the last season-and-a-half.

This season, he has featured 15 times for the Robins, helping his former side to four clean sheets.

Bentley has also made a name for himself as an excellent penalty-saver after keeping out 13 spot-kicks in his career.

Wolves switch attention to keeping Ruben Neves

Wolves have endured a difficult start to the Premier League campaign, winning just four of their 20 opening matches and as a result, now find themselves out of the drop zone only on goal difference.

With that in mind, Lopetegui has been keen to bolster his squad this month as he aims to avoid a relegation battle.

As mentioned, Bentley is Wolves’ fifth signing this month, after bringing in Matheus Cunha, Mario Lemina, Pablo Sarabia and Craig Dawson so far.

However, Lopetegui may not be done in the transfer market, with a number of targets remaining on the Spaniard’s winter shortlist.

What’s more important for Wolves, however, is that they keep hold of their key players. Arguably their best player (and captain) Ruben Neves has been the subject of heavy interest from Liverpool lately, with Jurgen Klopp eyeing midfield reinforcements.

It is believed that the Midlands club have no intention of letting their midfielder leave this month unless they receive a bid they feel is impossible to turn down.

Although, with Neves’ contract due to expire in 18 months and given he is reportedly unwilling to sign an extension, Wolves may listen to offers for him next summer.

For now, though, Lopetegui looks set to retain his star man’s services, along with five new faces who could make a big difference as his team aim to climb back up the league table.

READ MORE: One for every club: A player all 20 Premier League sides should look to sign before the January transfer window closes