Wolverhampton Wanderers‘ Santi Bueno says he spoke to Raúl Jiménez after learning about Club América’s interest.
The centre-back joined Wolves from Girona in 2023 and was a regular when available for selection. He also featured regularly for Uruguay at the World Cup.
Wolves dropped out of the Premier League while the 27-year-old had attracted interest from a few English clubs.
Last month, Sport Witness reported the defender was open to returning to the Premier League in the summer, but that didn’t happen.
On September 10th, Sport Witness exclusively revealed the Uruguay international will join Club América on loan with a $10m [€8.6m] purchase option. A day later, he secured a temporary move to the Mexican club.
Wolves star convinced Bueno
Raúl Jiménez is a product of Club América’s academy and left them for Europe in 2014. They were keen on bringing the Mexico international back to the club in the summer, but he returned to Wolves in July.
The striker did the pre-season with the Championship side under César Peixoto. The 27-year-old defender didn’t make an appearance for Wolves, while he trained with Jiménez.
Santi Bueno has been speaking to TUDN on the Wolves frontman’s role in his temporary move to Mexico.
“Well, the first person I talked to was Raúl, because, in the dressing room we, we changed right next to each other,” he said.
“So, when the topic came up and the idea of coming to América gained momentum, he was the first person I spoke to. Obviously, he raved about the club, the city, and the country, of course. And also with his family, we have a great relationship with them. So, anyway, I was really convinced of what I could do.”
“Later, of course, as things got closer, I started talking to Brian [Rodríguez], and to Seba Cáceres. I have a great relationship [with them] from the national team. So, everyone agreed and said the same thing about being here.”
| Every Wolves signing 26/27 | Previous Club | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Ladislav Krejčí | Girona | £20m |
| Rafiki Saïd | Standard Liège | £7.7m |
| João Virgínia | Sporting CP | £1,1m |
| Raúl Jiménez | Fulham | Free |
| Kieran Trippier | Newcastle United | Free |
| John Ruddy | Newcastle United | Free |
| Ghislain Konan | Gil Vicente | Free |
| Bertrand Traoré | Sunderland | Free |
| Jordan James | Rennes | loan |
| Sean Neave | Newcastle United | Loan |
Altitude impacting Wolves man
Online, TUDN have shared more comments from the South American about his early life in Mexico.
Club América are based in Mexico City, who sit at 2,240 feet above the sea level. The Wolves owned player talks about getting used to the new surroundings.
“I had a good preseason with the Wolves; I arrived in good shape, but the altitude is noticeable a bit. We did a good job during the training week, and I’m ready to play,” Santi Bueno explained.
On his goals with the Mexican club, he added: “I’m happy to be at such a great club, and I’m well prepared to give it my all. Winning titles and competing are a huge challenge. Mexico is a great country, it’s a wonderful experience for me and my family as well.”
