NafisaWolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly had an offer approved for Bristol City talent Ashton Williams.
The Old Gold have persuaded Williams to leave Ashton Gate for Molineux in what could be a significant step for his future career development. Football Insider claims Wolves have had a proposal accepted — and this has been confirmed by local outlet Bristol Live.
Williams, who only celebrated his 16th birthday in May, is highly regarded within the Robins’ youth system. Despite his limited experience, the youngster appeared for Bristol’s under-21s during the recently concluded campaign, starting the Premier League Cup tie against Exeter City in February.
Two months afterward, the rising talent was included in the Wales under-16s starting eleven for the 3-0 friendly defeat to the Netherlands. According to Bristol Live, the centre-back played 86 minutes before being substituted for Cardiff City prospect Oliver Williams in the final stages.
Wolves have moved swiftly to eliminate any possible rivals as Bristol couldn’t offer Williams a professional deal until he turns 17, which is still around 11 months away. It’s common for Premier League sides to secure emerging players at this stage with a compensation agreement in place.
That’s what appears to have happened here as Wanderers have reportedly settled on a fee with Bristol. The player has also accepted personal terms on a youth contract, with the intention of turning pro around this time next year.
Wolves face multiple important transfer calls:
Turning to the senior Wolves squad, it’s a critical summer ahead as Vitor Pereira looks to build on the solid strides taken since the start of the year.
It won’t be straightforward for the Old Gold to improve on their 16th-place finish as key man Matheus Cunha has joined Manchester United and another standout performer, Rayan Ait-Nouri, is tipped to sign for Manchester City, but the drive to reach top-half status remains.
Losing not just one but two crucial players is a major setback, but Pereira understood the challenge when he came in. Cunha’s exit was expected given his outstanding performances in recent seasons attracting plenty of attention, while Ait-Nouri has been on City’s watchlist for a while.
Wolves allowing any more vital players to leave following Cunha and Ait-Nouri could be hugely damaging, so it’s improbable further offers will be entertained. Retaining stars like Andre and Joao Gomes is essential and the club are presently working to persuade captain Nelson Semedo to agree to a contract extension.
Cunha and Ait-Nouri will certainly need to be replaced, but Wolves are also anticipated to make additional signings in the coming months. Pereira is keen on recruiting a second forward to compete and alternate with Jorgen Strand Larsen, while another centre-half is on the radar.
Wolves are also expected to explore bringing in a new goalkeeper, a right-sided midfielder, and players for the left wing-back and attacking midfield roles to fill the void left by departures.
Birmingham World reports that Manchester City’s James McAtee is being considered for the latter, while shortlists are currently being compiled for other areas.
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