Wolves’ transfer strategy is beginning to take shape, and with a number of departures and incomings already shaping their squad, the club is now turning its attention to replacing one of their most significant losses this summer—Rayan Ait-Nouri. Ait-Nouri’s move to Manchester City has left a substantial void on Wolves’ left flank, one that needs to be filled with someone who can replicate his attacking dynamism, creativity, and overall impact.
The 24-year-old Ait-Nouri had been one of the standout performers for Wolves in the previous season, contributing 12 goal involvements from the left wing-back position. His ability to push forward and contribute both in defense and attack was a key component of Wolves’ system under their previous manager. As a player who was adept at linking up play, offering pace on the left side, and providing excellent deliveries into the box, Ait-Nouri’s departure leaves a significant gap in Wolves’ offensive setup. With his move to Manchester City, one of the most elite clubs in world football, Ait-Nouri has been given the opportunity to play under Pep Guardiola, which marks a huge step forward in his career. The chance to compete with world-class players in a team renowned for its tactical sophistication is one that will no doubt help Ait-Nouri develop further as a player.
However, for Wolves, this represents a major challenge—replacing a player of Ait-Nouri’s quality is never easy. The club now finds itself in need of a player who can provide similar attacking output while also offering defensive solidity and versatility in the left wing-back role. Enter Samuel Lino, the Brazilian winger who currently plays for Atletico Madrid. Lino has been emerging as a serious candidate to fill Ait-Nouri’s shoes, and the latest developments suggest that Wolves are very much in the race to sign him.
Lino is a player that has long been considered an exciting talent, known for his pace, dribbling ability, and creativity. While primarily a winger by trade, Lino has also gained valuable experience playing as a wing-back, a position that is crucial to Wolves’ tactical setup under Vitor Pereira. This versatility is one of the reasons why Lino stands out as a potential replacement for Ait-Nouri. With the club looking to strengthen its left flank and add a more dynamic attacking presence, Lino could be exactly what Wolves need. His attacking instincts, coupled with his defensive experience, would make him a perfect fit for Wolves’ wing-back system.
Wolves reportedly made an enquiry about Lino last week, and it seems they are not alone in their interest. Nuno Espirito Santo’s Nottingham Forest has also been linked with a move for the Brazilian, suggesting there may be some competition for his signature. Atletico Madrid is said to value Lino at between £17 million and £22 million, a price that seems very reasonable for a player with his potential. Given that Wolves are in desperate need of a left wing-back who can bring a spark to their attack, the opportunity to sign Lino at this price could represent a smart investment.
Lino’s potential to replace Ait-Nouri is backed up by the numbers. Last season, Lino recorded an impressive non-penalty expected goals (xG) per 90 of 0.33 and 0.32 assists per 90. These statistics suggest that Lino is a consistent attacking threat who can contribute to goal-scoring and assist creation in a manner similar to, or perhaps even greater than, Ait-Nouri. For comparison, Ait-Nouri had a significantly lower xG per 90 of just 0.08 and 0.20 assists per 90. While Ait-Nouri was undoubtedly an important player for Wolves last season, Lino’s numbers suggest that he could be even more productive in terms of goal involvement. This would be an important factor for Wolves as they seek to replace Ait-Nouri’s output in a squad that will rely heavily on the attacking contributions of its wing-backs.
Another reason why Lino could be a valuable addition to Wolves’ squad is his style of play. Lino is known for his explosive pace, excellent dribbling skills, and ability to take on defenders in one-on-one situations. These attributes make him a dangerous weapon in transition and a constant threat in wide areas. His ability to carry the ball forward, create space, and deliver quality crosses into the box would provide significant support for the forwards, something that Wolves will desperately need with Ait-Nouri no longer in the team. Lino’s flair and creativity would bring an added dimension to Wolves’ offensive play, making them more unpredictable and harder to defend against.
Defensively, Lino has also proven to be a capable wing-back, with the ability to track back and contribute to defensive duties when required. This makes him a well-rounded player who could thrive in Wolves’ system, which demands hard work and discipline from its wide players. Having already played regularly for Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone, a coach renowned for his defensive acumen, Lino would be no stranger to the defensive responsibilities that come with playing as a wing-back. His experience in La Liga also gives him a solid foundation in a competitive league, and this would help him adjust quickly to the demands of the Premier League.
The timing of Lino’s potential move is also crucial. Atletico Madrid, who have used Lino sparingly at times, are reportedly in talks to sign Chelsea’s Renato Veiga for a hefty £34 million. If this deal goes through, it could signal the end of Lino’s time at Atletico Madrid, with the Spanish giants potentially looking to replace him with Veiga. This could open the door for Wolves to make their move and secure Lino’s signature before other clubs enter the race. If Wolves can act quickly, they could secure a talented player at a reasonable price—one who could make an immediate impact in the Premier League.
From a financial perspective, the reported £17-22 million price tag for Lino seems like a solid investment. Wolves would be getting a player who could not only fill the void left by Ait-Nouri but also add more dynamism, flair, and attacking output to their squad. Lino’s ability to operate in multiple roles—whether as a winger or a wing-back—adds to his value and gives Vitor Pereira more tactical flexibility. The club is clearly looking for a player who can help them compete at a higher level, and Lino seems to have the tools to do just that.
Ultimately, the signing of Samuel Lino could be a game-changer for Wolves. His technical ability, pace, versatility, and attacking contributions make him an ideal candidate to replace Ait-Nouri and to bring much-needed dynamism to Wolves’ left flank. If the club can secure his signature, it would represent a major step forward in their rebuild, and Lino’s potential impact on the team could be significant. With his explosive style of play and proven ability to create chances and score goals, Lino could be the perfect player to lead Wolves into a new era. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether Wolves can pull off this deal, but the signs are promising that Lino could soon be wearing the famous old gold of Wolves.
What are your thoughts on this move? Do you think Lino is the right player to fill the gap left by Ait-Nouri, or is there someone else you’d prefer to see at Wolves? Do you believe his signing could propel Wolves back into the upper echelons of the Premier League?