NafisaWolves’ Three Worst January Transfers: A Cautionary Tale for 2025
As the January transfer window opens once again, Wolves fans hope for smart recruitment to help secure Premier League survival. The winter market has historically been a pivotal time for the Old Gold, often determining the trajectory of their season.
In 2022/23, January proved transformative. Signings like Matheus Cunha, Joao Gomes, and Mario Lemina breathed life into a struggling squad, ensuring Wolves maintained their top-flight status. Similar impact players are desperately needed now, with Vitor Pereira tasked with rescuing a team teetering on the edge of relegation.
Funds are reportedly available, and defensive reinforcements are high on the agenda. However, Wolves must tread carefully. January has also seen its fair share of missteps, with some arrivals failing to deliver and ultimately tarnishing their brief stints at Molineux. Here, we revisit Wolves’ three worst January signings—a stark reminder of the risks involved in winter recruitment.
Eggert Jonsson
In January 2012, Icelandic midfielder Eggert Jonsson arrived from Hearts as Wolves fought to stay in the Premier League. Under mounting pressure, manager Mick McCarthy turned to Jonsson, the club’s sole permanent signing that month, hoping he could make a difference.
Unfortunately, his stint was disastrous. Jonsson managed just five appearances before Wolves were relegated. Even in the Championship, he struggled to break into the side, featuring only twice before being loaned to Charlton.
By the summer of 2013, Wolves terminated Jonsson’s contract with two years still remaining, preparing for a campaign in League One. His time at Molineux was brief and ineffective—a signing best forgotten.
Leon Clarke
Leon Clarke’s return to Wolves in January 2014 was met with cautious optimism. Having come through the club’s academy before leaving in 2007, Clarke had rediscovered form at Coventry City, scoring 15 league goals in just 23 games.
With Leigh Griffiths sold to Celtic, Kenny Jackett sought reinforcements up front. Wolves paid £750,000 for Clarke, hoping he could replicate his Coventry success. Instead, the striker’s second stint was underwhelming. Over one and a half years, Clarke netted just three goals before being released.
What stings most is the missed opportunity. Wolves opted for Clarke over his Coventry teammate, Callum Wilson, who has since flourished as a Premier League striker and England international. It’s a decision that highlights the fine margins of transfer gambles.
Willian Jose
The 2020/21 season presented Wolves with a crisis. Raul Jimenez’s season-ending head injury against Arsenal left the club without a reliable striker. With young Fabio Silva struggling to fill the void, Wolves turned to Real Sociedad’s Willian Jose, signing him on loan in January.
Jose arrived with a strong pedigree, having scored double figures in La Liga for four consecutive seasons. However, he failed to adapt to life in the Premier League. In 17 appearances, he managed just one goal—a match-winner against bottom-placed Sheffield United.
By the summer, Jose returned to Spain, leaving little impression. His brief Wolves tenure epitomized the challenges of adapting to England’s top flight mid-season.
Lessons for 2025
January can be a turning point for clubs like Wolves, but these missteps underline the importance of getting recruitment right. Eggert Jonsson, Leon Clarke, and Willian Jose all arrived with promise yet left little to show for it.
With the club’s Premier League status hanging in the balance, Pereira and the recruitment team must ensure history doesn’t repeat itself. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Wolves need players who can deliver immediately and help steer the team clear of the relegation zone.
As fans await new arrivals, the cautionary tales of Jonsson, Clarke, and Jose serve as a stark reminder: January signings can make or break a season.
Nafisa
