Wolves defender Romain Saiss is reportedly attracting interest from other clubs across Europe with the Moroccan still yet to sign a new contract ahead of the expiration of his current deal this summer.
What’s the story?
According to reliable French outlet L’Equipe, the likes of Real Betis, Villarreal, Wolfsburg, Marseille, Lyon, Rennes and Strasbourg are all interested in signing the 32-year-old this summer as a free agent.
Saiss is believed to have been offered a contract extension by the Wolves hierarchy, however, the centre-back is yet to put pen to paper.
The Morocco international joined the West Midlands outfit in 2016, whilst they were a Championship side, from French club Angers and a move away would see the end of six years of service for the Golden Boys.
Wolves must hold onto Saiss
With star midfielder Ruben Neves heavily linked with a departure this summer, Wolves must also ensure that they keep Saiss at Molineux beyond this campaign.
The defender has been a kingpin since joining the club, initially as a defensive midfielder, and has experienced Wolves’ rise through the ranks over the past couple of seasons.
From playing a vital part in their promotion to reaching an FA Cup semi-final as well as making it to the quarter-finals of the Europa League, the centre-back has been an excellent servant.
Moreover, this season has been no different, with the 32-year-old slotting into the plans of new manager Bruno Lage excellently.
Under the Portuguese coach, the Black Country outfit have been one of the Premier League’s most solid defences, conceding just 26 goals in 30 matches. Only Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea have let in fewer.
Of course, fellow regulars Conor Coady and Max Kilman have contributed massively to that feat as well.
Furthermore, the Moroccan received praise from a Match of the Day panel earlier this season after scoring against Brighton, with pundit Danny Murphy saying: “The system really suits him, playing in a three when you’re a good ball-playing defender. It gives you the space and time. He nearly got a second with a great technical strike. He’s been a tower of strength for them.”
If the 32-year-old is to leave, Lage will have to make a decision as to whether or not to hand 23-year-old Toti Gomes more regular game time in the first-team after the Portuguese defender filled in impressively for Saiss whilst he played at the African Cup on Nations with Morocco.
If not, then Fosun will surely have to provide the funds to purchase a suitable replacement to slot in alongside Coady and Kilman.
Nonetheless, Wolves must attempt to keep the £8.1m-rated Moroccan at Molineux beyond this season for the remainder of the campaign. But, if the 32-year-old is to depart this summer as a free agent, then he’s been an excellent servant.
In other news: Lage can find Wolves’ next Traore in rarely-seen teen who does “things out of nothing”