Wolves Star's Burnley Test: £3m Chiquinho's Fate Hangs in the Balance
While Wolves fans eagerly await the transfer deadline, tonight's Carabao Cup clash against Burnley presents a crucial opportunity for one player in particular: Chiquinho. The £3 million winger, who arrived with high hopes in 2022, needs a strong performance to secure his place in Gary O'Neil's squad.
The summer transfer window has seen Wolves make some initial moves, bringing in Rodrigo Gomes, Pedro Lima, and Jorgen Strand Larsen. However, the recent defeats to Arsenal and Chelsea have left some supporters anxious, and a positive result against Burnley would certainly boost morale.
Chiquinho's journey has been hampered by injuries. He impressed after joining from Estoril, showcasing his talent towards the end of the 2021/22 season. A severe knee injury, though, forced him to miss the entirety of the following campaign. Following a loan spell at Farmalicao, he's back in the Wolves first-team fold.
Despite a brief cameo against Arsenal, Chiquinho was left out of the squad against Chelsea, highlighting his current fringe player status. This has led to speculation about his future, with Gaziantep and Mallorca reportedly interested in his services. Previous links to Braga and Sporting CP further indicate the potential for a late departure.
The Burnley match presents a pivotal moment for Chiquinho. A strong showing could persuade O'Neil to keep him on, while a lacklustre performance may prompt the manager to green-light a transfer.
The 24-year-old, featured on the front cover of Wolves' matchday programme, has expressed his enthusiasm for being back at the club and working with O'Neil. He is reportedly "ready" to prove his worth, acknowledging the need to impress in a competitive attacking lineup.
With the potential for both Daniel Podence and Goncalo Guedes to stay at Molineux, Chiquinho's need to impress against Burnley is heightened. The competition for minutes in the Wolves attack is fierce, and a lacklustre display could be detrimental to his future prospects.
This match therefore presents more than just a chance for Wolves to progress in the Carabao Cup. It offers Chiquinho a vital opportunity to showcase his talent and stake his claim for a place in O'Neil's plans. The transfer deadline looms large, and for Chiquinho, tonight's game could be a defining moment in his Wolves career.
