3 players Wolverhampton Wanderers could sign this summer

The Wolves were the first Championship side to be promoted to next season's Premier League. In the 2011/12 season, The Wanderers were relegated after finishing 20th in the Premier League standings with just 25 points after 38 games. After a six-year absence, the club will once again be playing in the top league in England and will hope to survive for long.

In the 2017/18 season, all newly promoted clubs, Newcastle United, Brighton and Hove Albion, and Huddersfield survived relegation. The three clubs will continue to play in the Premier League next season. Meanwhile, Stoke City, Swansea City, and West Bromwich Albion will be joining Championship next season after a subpar performance.

Regardless of the stiffness of the competition, it is by all means, tough to survive in the Premier League. The Wolves have to improve their squad in order to battle other teams in the competition. Manager Nuno has identified a number of key players that the Wolves should sign in order to boost their chances next season. With a limited budget, the club is certainly unable to afford to make any big-money signings like the top-six clubs in England. However, that should not deter the club from figuring out their areas of improvement and solidifying the performance of the team. Here are three signings that the club could make this summer.

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#3 Raul Jimenez (Benfica)

Jimenez is set to join The Wolves on loan

The 27-year-old Portuguese striker is highly expected to sign for the Wolves in the coming days. Although he is expected to join the newly-promoted side on loan, it is reported that the deal will come with an option to sign the player for €35 million. Jimenez has been named in Mexico's World Cup squad but he looks all set to further his career in England.

Previously, Jimenez was a player of Atletico Madrid. After a year in the club where he made 28 appearances, he scored just one goal and provided two assists. His disappointing performance eventually saw him join Benfica on a five-year deal. It has been three years since his move and the player has scored 31 goals in 120 appearances. Jimenez is not the best striker available in the market, but he certainly has lots of experience playing consistently every week and in Europe.

According to Squawka statistics, the summer target has an average shot accuracy of 56% but a pass accuracy of just 65%. Despite his low pass accuracy, it seems like Jimenez is a sharp finisher. This will be crucial for the Wolves who will require a player to be smart and active in the opponent's penalty box so that they can break the defense of others in the league.

#2 Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon)

Patricio has been subjected to abuse from supporters over the years

According to reports in Portugal, the goalkeeper will join The Wolves in the near future on a free transfer. The 30-year-old has spent his whole senior career as a player of Sporting Lisbon but he has since handed in a request to terminate his contract with the club. Earlier, a €18 million deal to Wolverhampton Wanderers had fallen through. It seems like that has soured relationships between the player and his club.

Although latest reports said that negotiations have stalled, The Wanderers continue to be confident of the deal. Patricio is currently on an international deal with his home country as he will be traveling to Russia for the World Cup. In his most recent performance for his club, he kept 23 clean sheets and conceded 48 goals in 56 matches throughout the season.

Together with Cardiff City, the Wolves conceded just 39 goals all season. Both clubs shared the joint-lowest number of conceded goals in the Championship season. However, with talented strikers such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah in the league, it becomes extremely easy to concede. Getting a widely experienced goalkeeper will serve as a great backup for the team. Based on WhoScored, the keeper is excellent in shot stopping and saving close range shots. There is no reason not to make a move for Patricio. The goalkeeper is bound to be a great addition to Nuno's side.

#1 Willian Jose (Real Sociedad)

Jose fighting for the ball in the final match against Barcelona

The Molineux Stadium could welcome Real Sociedad striker, Jose, as he is another top transfer target for the club. Nuno has clearly identified the need to improve his team's attacking force and want more goals next season. Brazilian media has been reporting that the Portuguese manager is eying and lining up a £30 million move for the striker. Nuno already has a huge fan support and if this summer target becomes a player by the end of the transfer window, there is undoubtedly even greater support for the manager.

Jose had a superb performance for Real Sociedad last season and with four years left on his deal, there is no hurry and pressure for the Spanish side to sell him. In 40 matches, Jose scored 20 goals. Five of the goals came from his six games in Europea League last season. This goes to show his capability and knack for scoring in La Liga as well as in Europe. The 26-year-old has also been targeted by Marco Silva, who is now in-charge of Everton. That being said, the Toffees know that the Brazilian will not come cheap.

Now, it could be the time and rare opportunity that the striker plays in the Premier League, with The Wolves willing to spend a huge amount on him. Jose is strong in his headed attempts and, has a good passing and finishing ability. Bringing him into the team will bolster the attack force and also supplement the skills of others in the team. He adds another dimension to the game with his capability of scoring headers and has the potential to perform well in England.