Posted by Football Manager Guru in In my previous post, I took a close look at the current squad of players in Wolves when I initially took over and identified several aspects we could improve on. It was clear to me we had to reinforce the LB, DM, AMC and ST positions. After several nail-biting waits for approval of permits and a few transfer battles, I eventually managed to get some players I originally set out to get. Of course there also those I missed out on, but I learnt in my years of FM that there is always another better player out there.
My Transfers Out For Wolves’ 1st Season
In total I managed to raise 13 million from the players that I managed to sell Wolves. Maierhofer had to be loaned out as no one was willing to buy him, although there is a buy clause in this loan. Selling Elokobi was a good deal as I felt his stats was not suited to play LB at Premier League level.
My Transfers In For Wolves’ 1st Season
I felt I had every reason to be proud of the players I managed to bring into Wolves for the 1st season, considering the fact that Wolves is a newly promoted team. In total, they cost 7 million, which means on the whole, I made a profit AND also brought in my desired players into the club. Lets take a look at each of the players purchased.
Michael Ball
Michael Ball is signed on a free transfer, which is a pretty good deal considering he used to be an ex-Man City left back in the Premier League. In additional Ball is only 29 years old, which means he has a few more years to go before he starts to decline, looks good for money. While I am aware that there are better left backs out there in Football Manager 2010, I am unwilling to splurge on a new left back if I can get an average left back for free. Wolves is no Chelsea or Man City. He ranks 14 for tackling and marking, 18 for bravery and 16 for aggression, so I guess he will do a fairly alright defensive job on the left. His crossing is pretty mediocre at a 10 though, might not be good in overlapping runs down the left flank. In addition he does not have a lot of pace as well. All in all, still a good player that can be obtained for free.
Kikin Fonseca
I personally think this might be the potential best buy for Wolves this season. I obtained Fonseca’s services for a mere 750K in total. What a bargain for someone with his abilities! Fonseca has excellent physical stats, 18 for Stamina and Strength, 20 for Natural Fitness and 19 for Balance. He has also excellent mental attributes with 20 for aggression, 20 for determination and 19 for bravery and work rate. This technical attributes might not be spectacular but at least he has 16 for finishing and 17 for heading. Fonseca looks to be a real bargain and everyone at the club is pleased that he has signed for us. Should be a perfect partner for Kevin Doyle up front.
Makoto Hasebe
Well, my first choice DM was to sign Annan, who would have been a brilliant signing but it was unfortunate that he chose another club. A few other attempts to signed other DMs I have in mind also fell through, as most of them preferred to join clubs with better reputations. As things got desperate, I eventually stumbled over Makoto Hasebe who is originally playing for Wolfsburg. I paid 1.5 million for his services. While he might not be my first choice DM to purchase, I guess Hasebe will do a fair job in the anchorman position of my diamond formation. Having a good stamina, teamwork and work rate in addition to a passing rating of 16, I am expecting Hasebe to win balls in our own halfs and distribute up the pitch quickly. We shall see how this untried DM performs in due time.
Nicolas Otamendi
Another potential sign of the season. His wages is dirt cheap at 2.9K per week and I paid 2.7 million for him. At just 21 years old, Otamendi has immense physical attributes already, your typical hard man playing at CB. Almost every physical stat is above 15. In addition he has good anticipation and is rated 18 for aggression and determination. His Marking and Tackling are rated 15, but I believe given the fact he is only 21 yehears old, these 2 stats could be improved on. One to look out for in the future, could turn out to be very profitable. Had to beat tons of other clubs to secure his signature. Definitely a first team starter.
Vincent Enyeama
A fantastic bargain at 325K. I have played enough FM games to know that Enyeama’s value will skyrocket after a few season, and I will probably make him my first team keeper. He has good reflexs at 17, and has excellent distributions with 18 for kicking and 17 for throwing, perfect for counters. Pity he is not great in the air. But, still for 325K, you cannot find a better keeper.
Sergey Krivets
Krivets is another good value for money. He cost a total of only 1.7 million and in return I get a fairly pacy AMC who moves pretty quickly. In addition he has pretty good work rate and has quite a bit of flair as well. Although his passing is only 15, his creativity lets him down to be a great playmaker. But, still my best AMC in the squad as compared to the rest. Can’t wait to see how he will fair at the tip of the diamond.
Pre-Season Friendlies
Throughout all the friendlies, Michael Ball was injured which is a pity because I could not gauge how well it could play at left back. Other than that it seems that the transfer buys are settling in pretty well, especially Kikin Fonseca who has been clinical in front of goal.
Of course I am not delusional, I know the Premier League games will be tons and loads harder than just simple friendlies, and I hope my squad can gel well in little time. But the pre-season friendlies have made me establish my starting XI for Wolves. 
Bring on the real season, let the games begin. Do comment if you want to recommend a player I could purchase when the next transfer window opens. Cheers!
