Wolves’ desire for a new striker in January was well known – and journalist Fabrizio Romano has today dropped an update on one of the club’s targets Armando Broja.
Wanderers are about to finish the 2023/24 season and it has been a campaign that very few expected to see.
After Julen Lopetegui left the club just days before the new season, Gary O’Neil came to Molineux and there was a lot of concern about the place.
But the 40-year-old steadied the ship, and has done a terrific job. Not only has he masterminded some excellent results, he has also united the dressing room and strengthened the connection between the players and the fans.
With a bit more luck this season, Wolves could genuinely have finished in the European places.
He ended up contending with a number of injury problems, which was something he saw coming and was a reason why he wanted a new striker in January.
Armando Broja was someone the club went for but didn’t get – and now Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on the Albanian centre-forward…
Armando Broja set to leave Chelsea this summer, after Wolves tried and failed to sign him in January
Wolves ultimately couldn’t sign Broja because of their financial situation.
Chelsea were demanding money Wolves just didn’t have to loan the player for the rest of the season, and in the end, it was Fulham who managed to sign him.
On the failed move for Broja, O’Neil said after the window closed: “Yeah, we didn’t manage to get a No 9 in, there were a few I really liked but we couldn’t afford any. We could afford some but not ones that I thought could help us.
“We were speaking to Chelsea for most of the day about Broja but we couldn’t match Fulham. That’s where we’re at as a football club but we haven’t been deducted 10 points.”
Broja’s move to Fulham hasn’t really worked out, with the 22-year-old making just seven appearances so far without scoring.
Today on X, Fabrizio Romano gave an update on the player’s future. He said: “EXCL: Chelsea and Armando Broja are planning to part ways this summer. Permanent transfer expected as soon as he returns from Fulham loan.
“Albanian number one striker on the list of several clubs in Europe and Premier League, looking at him as main option.”
Currently there is no word on an asking price.
Wolves may look elsewhere after Broja’s Fulham stint
So Broja is seemingly going to be leaving Chelsea permanently this summer and it’ll be interesting to see who goes for him.
Wolves did have a strong interest in taking him on loan in January.
But given how things have gone for him at Fulham, and given the fact Wolves should have more room to maneuver this summer, it may well be that O’Neil looks at other players on the market.
Wolves just needed another body in in January, and Broja was available – until Chelsea priced Wolves out.
You get the feeling that O’Neil may not want to go back in for him this summer, especially when there is a lot more time to get things done.
Ultimately, Broja has only scored eight goals across 65 appearances for three clubs. O’Neil might just be looking for someone a little more potent.