Could Wolves land Colombia’s World Cup star Juan Quintero?
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Midfielder has spent the last three years on loan
There are always a few players who are catapulted to stardom during the World Cup. And Colombia’s Juan Quintero has looked ready for lift-off so far in Russia.
He’s dazzled defences and with doubts over the fitness of James Rodriguez, the Porto midfielder is the man England will need to watch on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old’s displays this summer have seen him linked with Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as a more surprising name – Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Bringing in the playmaker would be a real coup for the newly-promoted club. They swept the competition aside on their way to the Championship title last term. Now they want to make their mark in the top flight. Landing Quintero would show they mean business.
Calculated risk
Quintero’s career has drifted in recent years at club level. He had been hailed as a very exciting talent as a teenager, but he’s struggled to show his quality since moving to Porto in 2013.
In his first few years in Europe, he didn’t show the discipline needed to make it at the top level. After being loaned to Rennes in 2015-16, he was demoted to the club’s reserve squad because he wasn’t fit enough to play for the first-team.
But two loan spells back in South America, at Independiente Medellin and River Plate respectively, have seen him rediscover his focus.
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo would know what he’s getting with Quintero. They’ve already worked together at Porto. Bringing him in would be a gamble, but there’s no denying his quality.
Attacking spark
If Wolves do get their man, Quintero could take this team to the next level. The likes of Ruben Neves and Diogo Jota looked like Premier League players in waiting last term, but there’s plenty of room for improvement elsewhere.
Quintero would need time to adapt to the speed of English football, but he can unlock defences with pinpoint passes or superb set-pieces. Even against the best sides in the division, his talent could make the difference.
Signing him would also signal to other gifted players that they would be given a platform to shine at Molineux.
Wolves will have their work cut out to seal his signature, but it could be well worth it.
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