Wolves confirm signing of Lopetegui favourite from PSG – but second midfield deal faces late hijack
Just before their FA Cup clash with Liverpool kicked off on Tuesday night, Wolves announced the signing of Pablo Sarabia from Paris Saint-Germain.
Sarabia has become Wolves’ third signing of the January transfer window after Matheus Cunha and Mario Lemina. He has agreed to a two-and-a-half-year contract until 2025, via which he will get to play in the Premier League for the first time.
The transfer fee Wolves have paid PSG for Sarabia is believed to be in the region of £4.4million.
Sarabia had made 19 appearances for PSG in the first half of the season, without contributing a goal or assist. Overall, though, he amassed 22 goals and 12 assists from 98 appearances for the club.
Now, the left-footed attacking midfielder – who can operate on the right wing or centrally – has made the move to Molineux. In the process, he has reunited with Julen Lopetegui, who previously coached him for the Spain under-19 national team and Sevilla.
Their time together in Seville was only brief, but now they will be hoping for a productive connection with Wolves.
Sarabia has also previously played for Getafe and Sporting CP, in addition to Sevilla and PSG. He was a youth product of Real Madrid and has earned senior caps for the Spain national team, including at the 2022 World Cup.
As of yet, there are no quotes about the transfer from either the 30-year-old or his new manager, presumably because of how close to kick-off it was announced.
Pablo Sarabia over the line but Wolves get outbid for next target
Wolves are only two points clear of the relegation zone, so have been aware of the need to strengthen in the January transfer window.
After Cunha, Lemina and Sarabia, they have also been closing in on a deal for Flamengo youngster Joao Gomes.
However, an update on Tuesday night has suggested that their move for Gomes could be hijacked by Lyon.
According to Foot Mercato, Lyon have outbid Wolves by offering Flamengo an up-front fee of €18million (£15.8m) and a potential further €2m (£1.8m) in bonuses. Thus, their package could come to around £17.6m.
It is not yet clear if there have been talks between Gomes and Lyon, or if this is just between the two clubs for now. But Wolves may have to go back to the negotiating table if they do not want to miss out on the 21-year-old.
Reports have indicated that they have been chasing up to six signings for Lopetegui this month. Three are now in the bag, but a battle is on for the fourth and beyond.
