🐺 Wolves Now Leading Race for £26m Bundesliga Star Amine Adli as West Ham Fall Behind
Wolverhampton Wanderers appear to have made a major breakthrough in their summer transfer plans, emerging as the clear frontrunners to sign Bayer Leverkusen winger Amine Adli, who is currently valued at £26 million. The Frenchman, long admired across Europe for his flair and technical ability, has now become a key transfer target for Wolves — and according to reliable reports, a formal bid has been lodged by the club.
The latest developments indicate that Wolves have moved ahead of West Ham United, who were also monitoring Adli closely but have yet to take any decisive steps in the negotiation process. With Wolves making the first concrete move and the player reportedly interested in hearing their proposal, this transfer saga may soon tilt heavily in their favour.
⚡ Who is Amine Adli?
Amine Adli, 24, is a French international of Moroccan descent who plays primarily as a winger or attacking midfielder. Since joining Bayer Leverkusen from Toulouse in 2021, Adli has grown into one of the Bundesliga’s most dynamic and creative attacking threats. Standing at 5’9” (175 cm), he combines agility, speed, and vision — traits that make him ideally suited to Premier League football.
In the 2024–25 season, he featured prominently in Xabi Alonso’s side that went unbeaten in the Bundesliga and made deep runs in European competitions. He registered 11 goals and 9 assists across all competitions — a strong return, especially considering the level of competition for attacking places at Leverkusen.
Adli’s most prominent qualities include:
Electric pace and acceleration
Quick feet and close control in tight spaces
Intelligent off-the-ball movement
Ability to play on either flank or through the middle
Strong pressing and defensive work rate — something that would appeal to Wolves boss Gary O’Neil
🧠 Tactical Fit: Why Wolves Want Him
Wolves manager Gary O’Neil is known for his flexible tactical systems, often switching between 4-3-3, 3-4-3, or 4-2-3-1 depending on the opposition. He has built a resilient and competitive side capable of overachieving despite limited resources. However, there is no hiding the fact that Wolves lack depth in their attacking third, especially with ongoing interest in some of their current stars like Pedro Neto, Hwang Hee-chan, and Matheus Cunha.
Adli would bring:
Directness in wide areas
Creative spark that Wolves sometimes lack in deeper attacking zones
Versatility across multiple attacking roles
A possible long-term replacement for Neto, should he be sold
The fact that Wolves have put in a concrete bid shows they are serious. This isn’t a speculative inquiry — they’ve clearly identified Adli as a player who fits both their immediate needs and long-term project.
⚒️ West Ham’s Position: Stalling at a Crucial Moment?
West Ham United have also been linked with Amine Adli for several weeks. With Julen Lopetegui now at the helm and looking to rebuild the squad in his image, there is an obvious need for creativity and pace out wide. Adli’s profile fits perfectly — especially with Jarrod Bowen sometimes being used more centrally and Maxwel Cornet’s future uncertain.
However, despite admiring the player, West Ham have not yet made a formal offer, allowing Wolves to steal a march. The Hammers’ transfer strategy this summer has been cautious, and in this case, that hesitancy may cost them.
Adli’s openness to negotiations with Wolves is also a significant development. Reports suggest he has already spoken to Leverkusen’s top executives about engaging in talks with the Midlands club — a signal that he is not just flattered by interest but actively intrigued by the project at Molineux.
💷 Financial Side: £26 Million Fee a Calculated Gamble
Bayer Leverkusen are believed to be holding out for around €30 million (£25.5m–£26m) — a fair valuation for a player of Adli’s age, profile, and experience. Wolves, despite having a reputation for being cautious with their spending, are expected to raise funds through potential outgoings.
This deal is likely viewed internally as a smart investment:
He’s in the prime years of his career
There’s resale value, should a bigger club come calling
Adli’s Champions League experience adds a layer of pedigree
If the deal goes through at around the reported figure, Adli would become one of Wolves’ most expensive signings in recent years — but one that could pay off quickly both on the pitch and in terms of future valuation.
🧩 Where Would He Fit in Wolves’ XI?
Here’s how Wolves might line up with Adli integrated into the side:
4-2-3-1 Formation
Sa
Semedo – Kilman – Dawson – Aït-Nouri
Lemina – Gomes
Adli – Sarabia – Neto
Cunha
In this setup, Adli could start on the right wing, allowing Neto to stay on the left. Alternatively, Adli could play through the middle as a more creative No. 10, with flexibility to interchange during the game.
Other tactical options:
Adli as a false nine in a front three
As a second striker in a 4-4-2 or 3-5-2
Coming in off the bench to unlock deep defenses
🔮 What’s Next?
As of now:
Wolves have made a formal offer for Adli
The player has reportedly requested Leverkusen open talks
West Ham remain interested, but are yet to act
Leverkusen are open to selling, but only at the right price
If things continue on this trajectory, a transfer could move forward swiftly — especially with Wolves eager to complete key business early in the window to give O’Neil time to integrate new arrivals during pre-season.
🗣️ Final Word
The potential signing of Amine Adli would represent a significant coup for Wolves — a player with European pedigree, versatility, and technical quality, entering his prime. For a club that has had to be pragmatic in recent windows, this could mark a turning point — and signal that Wolves are intent on challenging for more than just mid-table security.
West Ham may yet respond, but unless they act quickly, this looks like Wolves’ deal to lose.