Wolverhampton Wanderers have enjoyed considerable success since monumentally clinching promotion from the Championship in 2019, since enjoying a European campaign and a resounding period in the club’s distinguished history.
While the lion-share of the outfit’s endeavours have been fruitful, with a stark decline into relegation peril this season combated by the fantastic managerial appointment of Julen Lopetegui, there is one trick missed on the transfer front that could have bore fruit for the Midlands club.
Indeed, in 2019, one season after winning the second tier and returning to the Premier League, Wolves were interested in a deal for Brentford defender Ezri Konsa, but the Express & Star reported that a deal was unlikely in the weeks preceding the centre-back’s £12m move to Midlands rivals Aston Villa.
With The Times previously reporting the Midlands side were heavily interested, club owner Jeff Shi must be red in the face about an inability to get the deal over the line, with Konsa now worth as much as £36m, according to Football Transfers.
Konsa has been an ever-present for Villa since his arrival, forging 121 displays, scoring six goals and serving two assists, and he has indeed been a big part behind the club’s efforts in cementing top-flight status and now pushing for an ascension towards the upper end of the table.
And this term, he has started 20 of the 21 fixtures in the Premier League, unwavering in his position for Unai Emery’s resurgent Claret & Blue.
As per Sofascore, the 25-year-old has recorded a solid average rating of 6.83 in the league this year, making 3.1 clearances and 1.3 tackles, completing 87% of his passes and incredibly winning 87% of his ground duels.
This robust nature encapsulates the demeanour that Old Gold defenders have held on the pitch since the Premier League revival; Conor Coady, now on-loan at Everton, has been the “leader” – as hailed by Ross Gregory – for the club, while Roman Saiss and Willy Boly were tenacious and imposing presences.
And Konsa, who stands at 6-foot, is the “unflappable” force – as once dubbed by Mat Kendrick – that the club could have utilised to full effect.
While Wolves have enjoyed success without Konsa within the ranks, he might have flourished within former boss Nuno Espirito Santo’s system, and certainly would make an impact for the club at present, under Lopetegui.
While the Old Gold have endured, Konsa could have signed for just £12m, and now worth as much as £36m, it is a missed deal that the hierarchy will indeed rue.