Wolves’ Urgent Search for a Striker: A Comprehensive Look at the Current Situation
As we approach the start of pre-season training, Wolverhampton Wanderers are in a delicate position, with significant gaps in their squad that need addressing. The primary concern for the club as they look to prepare for the new season is the lack of attacking depth. While Fer Lopez has recently joined from Celta Vigo, Wolves have been relatively quiet on the incoming front, and the striker position is arguably the area that requires the most attention.
Wolves have a single, viable forward in Jorgen Strand Larsen, but with Matheus Cunha already having left, and Fabio Silva expected to follow, the situation looks even more dire. This leaves Larsen with the heavy responsibility of leading the line, despite the fact that he is still relatively unproven in a Premier League context. Moreover, Sasa Kalajdzic, who had been expected to provide depth to the striker position, has been plagued by injury, with an extended absence following a serious knee injury. While there is the possibility that Kalajdzic could leave on loan to regain match fitness, this would still leave Wolves exposed up front.
Considering the departures and the lack of depth, securing a new striker has become an urgent priority for Vitor Pereira, the club’s head coach, as the start of the 2025-2026 season draws closer. The club will need to act swiftly to ensure they have a capable forward to spearhead the attack as the first friendly match against Stoke City approaches on July 26.
The Growing Pressure to Strengthen the Attack
Jorgen Strand Larsen is the only recognized forward available to Wolves right now, which places tremendous pressure on the 22-year-old to perform. Though he has shown promise in his limited time with the team, relying on him as the sole striker for an entire season would be risky, especially given that the Premier League is one of the most competitive leagues in the world.
Further complicating matters, Fabio Silva is expected to leave the club permanently, while Kalajdzic’s long-term future at Wolves is uncertain as he recovers from a knee injury. Matheus Cunha, who was brought in last summer with high expectations, has already departed the club after failing to make a consistent impact. While Hwang Hee-chan and Goncalo Guedes could provide attacking options, there are still strong rumors that one of these players could leave before the end of the transfer window, further reducing the attacking resources available to Pereira.
Given the departure of Cunha and the uncertain futures of other players, the need for a physical, capable striker to provide competition and cover for Larsen has never been more apparent. Wolves simply cannot afford to go into the season with so many questions surrounding their attacking options. This creates a growing sense of urgency for the club to secure a striker capable of leading the line and contributing to goals right from the off.
El Bilal Toure: The Prime Target for Wolves
The club has reportedly set its sights on El Bilal Toure, the 22-year-old striker from Atalanta, as a potential solution to their attacking woes. Toure is a physically imposing player who fits the profile of what Wolves are looking for: strong, aerially dominant, and capable of holding the ball up in key attacking situations. He would add a valuable presence to the Wolves attack, complementing players like Daniel Podence, Pedro Neto, and Jonny Castro.
However, Toure’s journey over the past year has been far from straightforward. He suffered a serious injury last season, fracturing his metatarsal in November, which severely limited his appearances. Toure was only able to feature in 17 matches during the 2024/2025 season, scoring just 3 goals. While those numbers may not be exceptional, they must be viewed in the context of his injury and the amount of time he spent on the sidelines. When fit, Toure has shown flashes of the talent that made him a highly regarded prospect at Atalanta and in Serie A more broadly.
Despite the challenges posed by his injury, Toure is still widely considered a player with significant potential. His ability to bully defenders in the air, win aerial duels, and physically dominate the opposition in and around the penalty area would be a useful asset for Wolves. Additionally, his ability to hold up play and link up with midfielders makes him a versatile forward who can contribute not only in scoring goals but also in facilitating play.
The Competitive Landscape for Toure
The market for Toure is, however, highly competitive. At least eight clubs are said to be interested in acquiring the striker, and the club faces stiff competition from both within Europe and the Premier League. Along with Wolves, West Ham United are also reportedly keen on adding Toure to their squad, while Marseille are said to be the most advanced in their negotiations.
It is Marseille that appears to be the frontrunner for Toure’s signature at present. Reports suggest that the French club is already in discussions with Atalanta regarding a loan deal with an option to buy. This type of deal would provide Atalanta with some financial relief while allowing Toure to regain his fitness before committing to a permanent move. From Marseille’s perspective, a loan deal would allow them to assess Toure’s recovery and readiness for top-flight football before committing to a full transfer.
For Wolves, this represents a significant challenge. If the club is to bring in Toure, they will need to act quickly to avoid missing out to clubs with stronger financial power or better European ambitions, like Marseille. The risk of losing out to other clubs is high, and Wolves must move with urgency to secure Toure before another club strikes a deal.
Why Wolves Must Act Quickly
The importance of securing a striker ahead of pre-season cannot be overstated. Pre-season begins on July 26, with a friendly against Stoke City. Wolves need to integrate any new players into the squad and allow them time to settle in before the start of the competitive season. A striker arriving late in the transfer window will have little opportunity to gel with the rest of the team, and this could disrupt Wolves’ preparations for the season ahead.
Given the uncertainty surrounding Kalajdzic’s fitness, Cunha’s departure, and the possibility of Guedes or Hwang Hee-chan leaving, Wolves are at a critical juncture in terms of their attacking depth. The situation is becoming more pressing by the day, and the club must be proactive in securing a striker capable of making an impact early on.
Potential Alternatives to El Bilal Toure
If Wolves fail to secure El Bilal Toure, there are other potential targets the club could explore. Although Toure would be an ideal fit for the club’s needs, there are several other strikers who could be considered as alternatives.
- Benjamin Šeško (RB Salzburg)
Šeško is a young striker who has been heavily linked with top clubs across Europe. The Slovenian has been a standout performer in the Austrian Bundesliga for Red Bull Salzburg, where his combination of size, speed, and technical ability has caught the attention of scouts across Europe. His ability to play both as a target man and a mobile forward makes him a versatile option. However, his price tag would likely be high, and competing clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, and RB Leipzig are also in the race for his signature.
- Karlan Grant (West Bromwich Albion)
A more affordable option could be Karlan Grant from West Bromwich Albion. The 25-year-old has shown consistency as a goal-scorer in the Championship, and his physicality and hold-up play could make him a solid addition to Wolves’ attack. While he might not have the same flair or potential as other candidates, Grant’s experience in the second tier and ability to finish in the box could make him a reliable choice for Wolves.
- Rafael Leao (AC Milan)
Though not a traditional striker, Rafael Leao could add versatility to Wolves’ attacking options. Known for his blistering pace, dribbling skills, and ability to play across the front line, Leao could provide a dynamic option for Pereira. He would give Wolves additional flair and creativity in attack, though the likelihood of securing a deal for Leao, given his talent and potential suitors, remains slim.
- Isaac Success (Watford)
For a more budget-conscious approach, Isaac Success from Watford could be a potential option. Though not the most consistent striker, Success possesses a strong physical presence and has the attributes to thrive in the Premier League, given the right system. However, his injury record and inconsistency may make him a riskier investment.
Conclusion: Wolves Must Secure a Striker Fast
Ultimately, Wolves have no time to waste. With the pre-season beginning imminently, it’s essential that the club moves quickly to secure a striker who can lead the line and provide the attacking depth the team desperately needs. El Bilal Toure is an exciting prospect, but the competition for his signature is fierce, and if Wolves fail to land him, they must pivot to alternative targets. The next few weeks will be critical for the club’s transfer strategy, and securing a forward will be one of the most important moves they make before the season kicks off.