Bournemouth Bolster Squad with Double Medical Ahead of Wolves Fixture
Premier League side AFC Bournemouth are preparing for a significant transfer boost ahead of their crucial weekend clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers, with journalist Fabrizio Romano reporting that the club has arranged a double medical for incoming players.
Transfer Activity Intensifies Before Molineux Trip
According to Romano's social media update, Bournemouth are set to complete the signings of two players before travelling to face Wolves at Molineux Stadium. The Cherries are reportedly finalising deals for 19-year-old winger Rayan from Vasco da Gama and goalkeeper Christos Mandas from Lazio.
Rayan has emerged as one of South America's most promising young talents, having scored 25 goals in 99 appearances for his Brazilian club. The teenage forward is now poised to test his abilities in English football's top division. Meanwhile, Greek goalkeeper Mandas will provide additional competition for Bournemouth's starting position between the posts.
Permanent Deal for Jimenez Also in Pipeline
In further transfer developments, Romano has revealed that Bournemouth are preparing to make Alex Jimenez's loan move from AC Milan permanent this summer. The 20-year-old right-back has impressed during his temporary spell at the Vitality Stadium this season, making 20 appearances across all competitions and scoring one goal.
The proposed deal would see Bournemouth pay €22 million to secure Jimenez's services permanently, with Real Madrid entitled to 50% of the transfer fee due to a previously agreed sell-on clause. The Spanish youth international began his career at Real Madrid's academy before moving to AC Milan in 2024.
Wolves Face Uphill Battle Against Reinforced Opposition
Wolverhampton Wanderers enter this weekend's fixture in concerning form, having secured just one league victory in 23 Premier League matches this season. Rob Edwards' side currently sit bottom of the table, 17 points adrift of safety behind Nottingham Forest in 17th position.
The Midlands club suffered a 2-0 defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium last weekend, leaving them firmly entrenched in the relegation zone alongside Burnley and West Ham United. Despite the disappointing result, manager Rob Edwards found some positives in his team's performance against the reigning champions.
"I felt we kept the game where we wanted it to be, even when they had the ball," Edwards commented after the City defeat. "In the main, we kept it away from our box, limited chances and felt in control even when we were without the ball. I definitely think we can take a lot from it, even in defeat."
The Wolves boss added: "People, I suppose, will see a routine victory for City, and I understand, but I don't really feel it was routine. I feel like we were good, but they're better."
Managerial Transition Continues at Molineux
Edwards, who previously managed Forest Green Rovers, Watford and Luton Town, took over at Wolves earlier this winter following Vitor Pereira's departure. The former Middlesbrough manager left his position to accept the Wolves role and now faces the challenge of implementing his vision before the January transfer window closes.
With Bournemouth strengthening their squad ahead of Saturday's encounter, Wolves will need to demonstrate significant improvement to secure a positive result against their reinforced opponents. The match represents another crucial opportunity for Edwards to begin turning around Wolves' fortunes in their battle against relegation.
