O’Neil aims to avoid extravagant signings and focus on building a stronger squad with sellable assets…

Wolverhampton Wanderers experienced a significant financial setback amounting to £24.8 million due to the unsuccessful signing of Patrick Cutrone. Cutrone, an Italian striker, arrived at Wolves amidst high expectations in 2019, accompanied by a hefty transfer fee of £23 million. Hopes were pinned on him as he had previously showcased his abilities at AC Milan, although his goal-scoring record was not outstanding. Sporting director Kevin Thelwell expressed optimism about Cutrone’s fit into the club’s philosophy, but the reality was disappointing.

Despite a promising start with three assists during Europa League qualifiers and a goal against Chelsea in the Premier League, Cutrone struggled to make a substantial impact. He managed only two more goals for Wolves before being loaned out to Fiorentina for the remainder of the season. Cutrone’s subsequent loan spells at Valencia and eventual departure to Como 1907 highlighted his failure to establish himself at Wolves. He attributed his lack of playing time to Nuno Espírito Santo’s favoritism, expressing frustration with the lack of opportunities.

In addition to his underwhelming performance on the field, Cutrone’s hefty wages of £63,000 per week further compounded Wolves’ financial burden. Despite spending only around 29 weeks at the club, his cumulative cost, including transfer fee and wages, amounted to a staggering £24.8 million. This translated to approximately £8.2 million per goal scored, underscoring the poor return on investment for the club.

The case of Patrick Cutrone serves as a cautionary tale for Wolves and other clubs, highlighting the risks associated with extravagant spending on players from overseas. Under the current management of Gary O’Neil, Wolves aim to avoid such costly missteps in the transfer market. Instead, they plan to leverage their sellable assets to generate profits and strengthen the squad strategically. The failed investment in Cutrone underscores the importance of prudent decision-making in player acquisitions, emphasizing the need for a more discerning approach to future transfers.