Wolves have been linked with SC Heerenveen right-back Milan van Ewijk recently and his potential arrival at Molineux could allow Julen Lopetegui to finally ditch Nelson Semedo.
According to The Daily Mail, Wolves are one of several Premier League sides who are keen to strengthen at right-back this month, with Southampton, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur also mentioned as possible destinations for the Dutchman.
Van Ewijk would reportedly be available for just £4m, which considering his strong form in the Eredivisie so far this term, could prove to be a bargain for Lopetegui as he looks to bolster his defensive options.
The 23-year-old has made 17 appearances in the Dutch top flight so far this campaign, in which he has three goals and no assists, with WhoScored awarding him a strong 6.93 average rating for his performances.
Considering Wolves’ top performer so far this season has been Ruben Neves with a 6.92 rating, it is clear how impressive Van Ewijk has been and how much quality he could add to Lopetegui’s squad.
It also seems clear that, on current form, he could be a far better option for the Spaniard than Semedo, who has averaged a disappointing 6.43 rating for his displays in the Premier League.
The former Barcelona man has also averaged fewer interceptions (0.8 vs 1.2), clearances (1.9 vs 2.1) and key passes (0.4 vs 0.8) than van Ewijk so far in 2022/23, which suggests that the Dutchman’s potential arrival could see him finally moved on.
The Old Gold paid a staggering £36.8m to sign the Portuguese full-back from Barcelona in 2020 but his time at Molineux has been something of a disaster, mainly due to his struggles defensively, which were cruelly exposed by Kaoru Mitoma in Brighton’s 3-2 win earlier in the season.
Van Ewijk certainly backs himself to offer plenty in the final third too, as he spoke about his strengths as a player in 2019.
He said: “I’m a fierce right back who can attack well, but also defend well and I’m in good shape. I can certainly be found in the front. Last season I also gave a number of assists. I’ll show the rest during the matches.”
Therefore, with Lopetegui having also preferred academy graduate Dexter Lembikisa at right-back in recent weeks, it could be bye-bye Semedo if Wolves do bring van Ewijk to Molineux before the transfer window closes next week.
