Report: Wolves now know asking price for Ligue 1 forward | OneFootball

Mourinho makes early move in Guessand chase

Wolverhampton Wanderers are monitoring developments closely as Fenerbahce, led by new boss Jose Mourinho, push hard to sign Nice forward Evann Guessand. According to Sky Sports, Mourinho has already held a Zoom call with Guessand and his representatives, underlining just how serious the Turkish club are about landing the 23-year-old.

Fenerbahce’s initial offer, reported to be €25 million plus €5 million in add-ons, was swiftly rejected by Nice. However, that bid has helped establish a clear market value for the Ivory Coast international. It also adds pressure on Wolves, who remain interested but have yet to make a formal proposal of their own.

Mourinho’s direct involvement adds an extra layer of competition to what is becoming an increasingly competitive pursuit. As one source reportedly claimed, “Mourinho is trying to persuade him to move to Turkey,” showing how the Portuguese coach is using his personal charm and stature to influence proceedings.

Wolves balancing priorities in key summer window

Guessand is among several attacking players under consideration at Molineux, but Wolves are operating with a constrained transfer budget. Strengthening at full-back and in central midfield also remains a priority for the club’s recruitment team this summer.

While Wolves are tracking Guessand’s situation closely, there is a sense that they may need to sell before they can buy. The valuation from Nice now gives them a clearer understanding of what kind of financial package will be required. Whether they can afford to match or improve on Fenerbahce’s rejected offer remains uncertain.

With Guessand attracting attention from multiple Premier League clubs and from teams abroad, time is of the essence if Wolves are to make a serious play. His blend of physicality, versatility and top-level experience in Ligue 1 makes him an attractive proposition for clubs in need of attacking reinforcements.

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New structure behind the scenes at Molineux

This transfer window marks a significant moment for Wolves off the pitch too. Domenico Teti officially begins his new role as director of professional football at Molineux this week. The former Sampdoria and Al Shabab executive will work closely with head coach Vitor Pereira, with whom he collaborated in Saudi Arabia.

Teti arrives after the recent departure of Matt Hobbs, the former sporting director. His appointment is expected to provide strategic clarity and financial oversight during what is expected to be a complex summer for Wolves.

Meanwhile, Matt Jackson has been promoted internally to take over as director of player recruitment. The former Wigan defender has been influential in identifying key targets and will work in tandem with Teti to reshape the squad for the 2024–25 season.

Their combined task will be to improve squad depth, maximise value from outgoing players and bring in cost-effective reinforcements in key areas. The Guessand situation may well be their first significant test.

The 23-year-old Guessand, who was born in France but represents Ivory Coast internationally, has emerged as a highly-rated forward in Ligue 1. His profile fits the kind of dynamic and robust striker Wolves are known to admire, especially in systems that value mobility and link-up play.

However, Mourinho’s early move has changed the landscape. The former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United manager is known for pushing hard to land his top targets, and his direct call to Guessand could influence the player’s thinking.

Still, Wolves have an edge in terms of Premier League exposure and a long-term development plan, something that could appeal to a player of Guessand’s age. The key question will be whether they can match the financial package now expected by Nice.

Given the club’s other priorities and the need to be strategic with their spend, Guessand’s transfer will be a litmus test of how Wolves operate under their new leadership structure this summer.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Wolves fan perspective, this report presents both excitement and frustration. There’s no doubt that Evann Guessand would be an exciting addition to the squad. His physical presence, technical ability and experience in a top-five European league make him an appealing forward option. Fans have long cried out for a reliable striker who can complement or compete with the existing attack, and Guessand ticks many boxes.

However, Wolves fans are all too familiar with transfer sagas that end in disappointment due to financial limitations. With the club also needing a full-back and a central midfielder, and with no major sales yet confirmed, splashing €30 million on a single player seems optimistic. That said, the appointment of Domenico Teti signals a new direction and possibly a more aggressive approach in the market.

There’s a sense that this is a defining summer. Under Vitor Pereira and a new-look recruitment structure, the club needs to act decisively. Missing out on Guessand would not be a disaster, but it would certainly increase pressure on the club to deliver in other areas. Fans will be watching closely to see if Wolves can match ambition with action.