Julen Lopetegui makes Adama Traore point and addresses Wolves contract question

Latest Wolves news from BirminghamLive includes Julen Lopetegui on Adama Traore

Alex Dicken Senior Football Writer

06:00, 20 Jan 2023

Julen Lopetegui isn’t able to provide any update on Wolves’ efforts to keep Adama Traore beyond the summer.

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Adama has entered the final six months of his deal at Molineux and can negotiate a free transfer to an overseas club this month. The winger’s five-year Wolves career looks set to end this summer, unless an agreement can be found swiftly.

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Serie A leaders Napoli are believed to hold an interest in Adama, while clubs in Spain are also keeping tabs on the 26-year-old. Lopetegui has previously admitted his desire to keep Adama, but things seemingly haven’t progressed since he made those comments two months ago.

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Despite the contract impasse, Lopetegui has praised Adama’s commitment. "We have talked about this, he is our player and we are happy with him. This is all. His commitment is fantastic, sure," said Lopetegui.

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Adama has only started the two FA Cup matches against Liverpool since Lopetegui’s appointment. He has been used off the bench in Wolves’ other six games under Lopetegui.

Hwang Hee-chan and Daniel Podence have been preferred to Adama, and he now faces more competition following the signing of Spain international Pablo Sarabia. Lopetegui added: “Adama is one player that has one specific condition and quality.

"He has to be able to take advantage of this condition, of course. We have to help him to understand and put the right situation on the pitch to help him.”

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