Wolves and Leicester City in sensational transfer deadline day swap move
Wolves and Leicester City in sensational transfer deadline day swap move
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Wolves and Leicester City explored a sensational swap deal that would take Conor Coady back to Molineux. Craig Dawson would have gone the other way to join the struggling Foxes in a remarkable move between two of the Premier League's relegation candidates. Discussions were in their early stages, with both men understood to be open to the move - if the two clubs could get a deal negotiated and over the line before the close of Monday’s transfer deadline.
Coady was Wolves ’ long-time captain who led the club into Europe and back-to-back seventh place finishes as Nuno Espirito Santo’s long-time lieutenant, earning himself a place in the England squad that reached the final of the European Championships in 2021. But former boss Bruno Lage cut the club captain loose during his spell at Molineux as he looked to move to a back four, initially letting him join Everton on loan before Coady completed a £7.5million move to Leicester at the start of last season. He had been recommended to then-Foxes boss Enzo Maresca by Pep Guardiola.
He has not been a regular under current Foxes boss Ruud van Nistelrooy in a back four at the King Power Stadium, while Wolves, under Vitor Pereira, have returned to playing with a back three and wing-backs. The Portuguese was not impressed with the state of the defence that had been left by predecessor Gary O’Neil and has prioritised an overhaul, wanting to add greater physicality and power. Emmanuel Agbadou joined from French side Reims and has impressed, including an outstanding man of the match display at the weekend against Aston Villa. And 6ft 4in Red Star Belgrade defender Nasser Ndiga is joining in a £10million move.
But Pereira was also keen for greater vocality on the pitch and sporting director Matt Hobbs is understood to have pitched the possibility of bringing Coady back with Dawson - who has fallen down the pecking order under Pereira - heading the other way. However, as talks progressed, Leicester got cold feet. And the deal went away. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
