Who is Hugo Bueno? The Celtic transfer target looking to forget Wolves 'setbacks' and resume rapid rise
The left-back is on the Celtic agenda again and could compete with Greg Taylor next season
Celtic have reportedly made their move for Hugo Bueno as they look to convince Wolves to allow the defender to leave on loan this summer.
The Scottish Premiership champions were keen on a deal in January but were knocked back by the English Premier League side in their attempts to land a deal - but Celtic are set to test the resolve of the Molineux higher-ups this summer. The left-back would off competition to first-choice Greg Taylor going into the new season if a loan deal can be struck with talks ongoing between the two clubs over a deal - with Norwich City also said to be waiting in the wings.
The 21-year-old has been on the fringes of the Wolves squad for two years - but now looks set to get the green light from boss Gary O'Neil to ramp up his first-team minutes elsewhere. So, who is the rising star in the West Midlands? Record Sport takes a look.
Who is Hugo Bueno?
The left-back has enjoyed a rapid rise to the English top flight Spanish fourth-tier side CD Areosa for Molineux back in 2019 for a meagre fee of just £3000. He has already managed 43 Premier League appearances in his career - but saw his climb to the top of the game falter last season with Rayan Ait-Nouri being preferred as first-choice on the left side of defence.
He managed 26 appearances in all competitions last term but mostly acted as an understudy to Ait-Nouri and Matt Doherty amid niggling injury woes. He also brings international experience - having been capped for Spain at U21 level while also being called up by region Galacia - who are not recognised by FIFA or UEFA - for the clash with Panama.
What has he said on his future?
The defender penned a new contract with Wolves in November last year that will keep him at the club until 2028. While he has set his sights on a long-term stay at his current club, he has left the door open for a move to help him improve his game time.
He said earlier this summer: “I’m really happy and motivated about the new season and let’s see what happens. One good thing about me is I always find that motivation. It doesn’t matter the situation that I’m in, sometimes things happen, injuries and setbacks.
“But I think everything happens for a reason and I always try to stay motivated and keep working hard. Hopefully I get more chances, play well and keep improving, those are the most important things.”
Will there be an option to buy?
Not if Wolves’ sporting director Matt Hobbs has anything to say about it. He has gushed over the star and just last season was hyping him up as one for the future.
“Hugo’s one of the huge success stories of the club. Bringing him in from a grassroots team in Spain when he was just 16, and he’s now 21, playing in the Premier League and being a regular Premier League player. It’s testament to everyone involved.
“We are blessed in that area of the pitch. We’ve got two, exciting left-backs, who are slightly different, but both have huge talent. They’re competing against each other and they’re really close as well, so it’s a healthy competition, but we will see the benefits of that from both of their performances.”