Wolverhampton Wanderers have made a ‘very different signing’ in Nathan Collins to what they usually acquire, according to journalist Josh Holland.
The Midlands outfit have targeted the Portuguese market in recent years due to their close connections to super-agent Jorge Mendes, while Collins is a Republic of Ireland international.
What is the latest news involving Collins?
Bruno Lage’s side completed a £20.5 million deal for the highly-rated 21-year-old in the last few days, bringing him in from Burnley following their relegation from the Premier League last season.
It’s claimed that Collins has put pen to paper on a five-year contract at Molineux that includes the option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.
The 6 foot 4 centre-back is set to compete with Conor Coady, Maximilian Kilman and Willy Boly for a place in Lage’s starting XI and is tasked with replacing the experienced Romain Saiss, who has joined Besiktas on a free transfer.
And Collins’ arrival represents a change in Wolves’ usual transfer strategy, with Adama Traore the last major acquisition from a domestic side back in 2018.
Youngster Ki-Jana Hoever did arrive from Liverpool in 2020, but the defender had only made four senior appearances for the Reds before making the switch.
What has Holland said about Collins?
Holland believes the acquisition of Collins is ‘a bit of a shock’ given Wolves’ recent exploits in the transfer market.
In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “I think it’s a very different signing to what Wolves have been used to for the past few years.
“They're not a club renowned for going into the domestic market and bringing in players who, obviously, he’s from a lower division but played in the Premier League last season, so it's a bit of a shock.”
Is Collins a good signing?
While Collins may differ from Wolves’ usual signings, he certainly seems like a sensible pick-up from their recruitment team.
As per FBref, the youngster ranked in the 98th percentile for blocks, 97th for aerial duels won, 92nd for non-penalty expected goals and the 85th for clearances amongst his positional peers over the last year.
Collins only made 19 appearances in the Premier League last season but started 12 of Burnley’s final 13 top-flight fixtures after Ben Mee took up a coaching role.
And if he is able to replicate that sort of form at Molineux over the coming years, then Wolves may be tempted to shop closer to home on a far more regular basis.