Nuno Santo wants to sign ‘powerful’ £21m star, and Wolves simply cannot let it happen – opinion

Wolves Urged to Enter Race for Mikautadze Amid Transfer Stalemate

Wolverhampton Wanderers have made a sluggish start to the summer transfer window, with few arrivals and several key exits already confirmed.

While the signing of Fer Lopez from Celta Vigo is a step forward, the departures of Matheus Cunha, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Pablo Sarabia — with others likely to follow — have left significant gaps in the squad.

Nelson Semedo appears set to leave the club, despite a four-year contract offer being on the table, while fringe players like Goncalo Guedes, Hwang Hee-chan, Sam Johnstone, and Tommy Doyle could also be heading for the exit. With pre-season around the corner, Wolves’ recruitment team need to accelerate their plans.

One potential opportunity has emerged following the shocking relegation of Lyon to Ligue 2 due to financial difficulties. As a result, a number of their top players are expected to depart — and Georges Mikautadze looks to be at the top of that list.

According to TEAMtalk, Nottingham Forest — now managed by ex-Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo — are among the clubs interested in the Georgian striker. Mikautadze, who scored 17 goals and provided 11 assists in 47 appearances for Lyon last season, is reportedly valued at just over £21 million. Eintracht Frankfurt and AS Roma are also monitoring the situation.

Despite not being mentioned in the report, Wolves should be seriously considering a move for Mikautadze. The 23-year-old is a proven goalscorer at both club and international level, having finished as joint-top scorer at Euro 2024 and notching 20 goals in 37 appearances for Georgia.

With Matheus Cunha gone and Wolves in desperate need of attacking reinforcements, Mikautadze could offer immediate impact and versatility. He is capable of leading the line or playing just behind the striker — a role the club is keen to strengthen further, even after landing Lopez.

Mikautadze’s technical quality, eye for goal, and international pedigree make him a near-perfect fit for Gary O’Neil’s system. With Wolves also needing to add depth and competition for Jorgen Strand Larsen, the Georgian forward presents a rare opportunity that shouldn’t be ignored.

Wolves have been linked with Mikautadze in the past, and with Lyon forced to sell, now is the ideal moment to act. It would be a real head-scratcher if the club didn’t at least explore the possibility of signing a player with such obvious potential to make an impact at Molineux.