When Raul Jimenez signed for Wolves it was something of a gamble.
Benfica had been trying to sell the Mexican striker for a while, and had been frustrated when he turned down a move to China worth around €40m. The Lisbon club clung to that price level, hoping someone would turn up with the money, despite the player’s struggles in Portugal and Spain.
Wolves provided the opportunity, initially taking Jimenez on a loan deal, but making sure they had a purchase option should he succeed in the Premier League. He certainly did, leaving Nuno Espirito Santo with a quality senior striker, and Benfica with the money they’d long wanted.
So far this season, the 28 year old has 22 goals and 10 assists in 42 matches for Wolves. That’s led to some transfer claims, and his winning goal against Tottenham at the weekend is certainly going to encourage more.
Rafael Marquez was helping to cover El Clasico for ESPN Mexico on Sunday, and when asked about Jimenez potentially moving to Barcelona, the Mexican legend was enthusiastic.
Quoted by Radio Formula, he explained: “Obviously, Raul is doing a great job and attracts attention, not only from La Liga, but from all the important teams. If Barcelona asks me about him, he will be 100 percent recommended.”
Wolves will therefore hope that Barcelona don’t ask.
