Wolves Reignite Interest in £20.7m Striker as European Clubs Circle

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reopened discussions over the potential signing of Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto, a player also on the radar of West Ham United and Southampton. After exploring a move in January, Wolves could return for the Brazilian forward this summer.

Alberto, who has previously featured for Brazil’s senior national team, has been making waves in his homeland with an impressive goal-scoring record. In 2024, he netted 15 goals and provided five assists in 29 Brazilian Serie A matches, while also delivering nine goals and two assists in 10 Copa Sudamericana appearances. He has maintained his form this year, adding three goals in nine Campeonato Paulista games.

Despite his success at Corinthians, Alberto is keen on a return to European football, having left Zenit St Petersburg three years ago due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to R7 Esportes, his agent, Andre Cury, has been in talks with multiple clubs across Europe, revealing Corinthians’ €25 million (£20.7m) asking price. While Wolves, West Ham, and Southampton all expressed interest in January, none met the valuation. Inter Milan remains in discussions, and if a deal isn’t agreed upon, Cury is expected to hold further negotiations with clubs in Spain and England.

Although eager to make the switch, Alberto has remained professional, respecting Corinthians’ stance on securing an appropriate transfer fee. He has not pushed for an exit, showing his commitment to the club and its supporters.

The 23-year-old, who previously played for Santos and Internacional before moving to Zenit and later Corinthians, primarily operates as a striker but is also capable of playing on either wing. With exactly 100 club career goals in 282 appearances, his reputation as a clinical finisher continues to grow.

Wolves’ Striker Situation

Wolves are currently in need of attacking reinforcements, particularly in the No.9 role. While Jørgen Strand Larsen has been a solid addition from Celta Vigo, other options like Hwang Hee-Chan and Gonçalo Guedes have struggled to consistently lead the line.

Matheus Cunha remains the key figure in Wolves’ attack, but his strengths lie in a more fluid role where he can operate between the lines rather than as an out-and-out striker. If signed, Alberto could provide Wolves with a strong alternative, either partnering with or replacing Strand Larsen when needed.

Standing at six feet tall, Alberto possesses solid pace, sharp positioning, and a clinical finishing ability. However, his hold-up play, ball control, and ground duels remain areas for improvement. His first touch can sometimes let him down, occasionally leading to missed opportunities, but when he gets it right, he is a lethal finisher.

As Wolves weigh up their attacking options for the summer, Alberto remains a name to watch, with competition from other European clubs adding further intrigue to the potential transfer battle