Wolverhampton Wanderers have completed the signing of Valencia youngster Rafa Mir, a prime target for Real Madrid, in a shock deal worth around £2 million.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have officially announced the capture of highly-rated Valencia striker Rafa Mir. The Championship leaders have unveiled the former Barcelona man as their latest signing, which is a huge coup, considering the player was reported to be nearing a switch to Real Madrid.
The move will be a huge blow to the defending La Liga champions, with the player choosing to sign for Wolves in their stead. The player’s decision may have been formulated through his former association with Barcelona. But, Rafa Mir’s choice of club indicates that he chose Wolves over Real Madrid mainly over the prospect of playing time.
Add to it the fact that Wolves are primed to gain promotion to the Premier League, which would see Rafa Mir enter the Premier League in the 2018-19 campaign – another important point to consider when analysing as to why the 20-year-old would choose the English outfit over Real Madrid.
?#️⃣9️⃣#WelcomeRafa pic.twitter.com/68LrH3ZA4O
— Wolves (@Wolves) January 3, 2018
Wolves seemed to have completed the deal for the former Barcelona man for an amount reportedly close to £2 million, a massive bargain for Nuno Espirito Santo & co. Rafa Mir seemed delighted to have secured a switch to England and he showed the same in his interview to the official website.
“I’m really excited to play with this team and to try and help the players achieve all the goals that the club has. It’s a club that has already played in the Premier League. It’s one of the biggest clubs in England and I’m really looking forward to my time with Wolves.”
“I think the type of football that is played in England is very good for me as a player. It suits me and I think, with training, I could bring some good things to the team.”
— Wolves (@Wolves) January 3, 2018
Rafa Mir himself explained his decision and iterated another point that compelled him to choose Wolves over Real Madrid, which surprisingly, is the manager at helm at the two clubs. The former Barcelona youth prospect has worked with current Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo during their time at Valencia, which was one of the driving factors in his arrival at the Molineux.
“Nuno played a big part of my decision to come here. Wolves is a big project and it’s an exciting challenge to be a part of it,” explained the forward. It’s great to be able to work with a coach that I already know and that was an important factor in signing for the club.”
Rafa Mir arrives in good form, with the player netting 15 goals in 19 games for Valencia B before the switch. The 20-year-old takes the ‘number 9’ jersey for Wolves. Another step in the right direction in what has been a season full of positives for Wolves.
But, the transfer window starts on a disappointing note for Real Madrid, who would be gutted to lose out on the former Barcelona man.
