“Bit of a shock” - Journalist reacts after big Wolves decision in last days

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.

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.

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.”

While Collins may differ from Wolves’ usual signings, he