Champions League bound Vfl Wolfsburg is cashed up, and you can bet there will be a flood of new contracts and players into the “small” club with big ambition. Over the summer there will be that much movement around the Volkswagen arena that sporting director Klaus Aloffs may as well install some revolving doors to the entrance of his office.
Its domestic performance labelled the Wolves as an up and coming force, one with boundless creativity albeit a lack of superstars. This is all set to change over the coming summer transfer season. The Wolves have already stamped their intentions in previous windows, breaking their all-time transfer record first with their charismatic talisman Kevin De Bruyne (£22 Mil), and relative new-comer Andre Schurrle (£28 Mil). The club were also not shy about splashing out on Luiz Gustttavo, Ivan Perisic and a host of other smaller purchases, showing its intent to add squad depth.
With rumours awash amongst the internet, here are the likely outcomes for some big name Wolfsburg players:
Kevin De Bruyne: £40mil +
The most hotly anticipated transfer of the Bundesliga this season will be Kevin De Bruyne – a superstar on the pitch now requires a weekly pay cheque to match. Just about every big team in Europe has been linked to his signature, with the likes of Bayern, PSG, Barcelona, Manchester United (and City, for that matter) all circling. In addition, a possible move back to Chelsea also appears on the cards.
The likely result? Without a serious offer of above £40-50 million pounds the Wolves will not be inclined to lose a player responsible for 44% of its goals this season. All of the clubs mentioned have the ability to splash the cash, but doubts over his ability in the “big leagues” like his last stint at Chelsea might scare away a few suitors. De Bruyne will likely stay at the Wolves at least another half-season, and if he is able to continue his run of form then will be looking at a big transfer bonus cheque.
Bas Dost: £10mil
In early January Bayern Munich were witness to the start of a goal-scoring run that topped the European scoring charts, and Bas Dost has the ability to do it again. Currently, injury concerns are the only thing stopping the mountain of a Dutch striker. With Nicklas Bendtner the only one forcing some competition for a starting place (if he actually can live up to his so called potential), Bas might yet fend off offers from the likes of Southampton or Stoke. Max Kruse looks likely to be added into the mix one way or another, and if Dost feels the pressure he may decide to move.
In addition to possible departures, the Wolves will be looking to bolster depth in all areas on the pitch:
Strikers
With Nicklas Bendtner not preforming or keeping any pressure upfront, Wolfsburg look set to add a 3rd Striker to its squad. Romelu Lukaku and Christian Benteke have all been touted as possible transfers should the Wolves be willing to show their financial brute and scare off any opposition. The most likely addition is Max Kruse, who has confirmed he has already attended a medical ahead of a possible transfer. However, with no contract signed this still may change. Manchester United super-sub Javier Hernandez may relinquish his role at Real Madrid and a move to the Bundesliga would not yet be ruled out.
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Midfield
The midfield of the Wolves is already heated for places, and it is likely Joshua Guliavogui will be looking to complete a transfer after his successful loan from Athletico Madrid. Aaron Hunt might be the casualty, given his frustration over playing time. Rumours circling Ilkay Gundogan have been greatly exaggerated, and the move appears to be gaining no momentum.
Defence
Defensive mistakes have cost the Wolves at vital moments during the season, with Naldo ageing and Robin Knoche and Timm Klose relatively inexperienced. A big signing could influence the Wolves domestic and European showings next year. The Torino Captain and defender Kamil Glik could be on the move, if he decides to the choose a move to the Wolves over a host of competition which includes English club Tottenham Hotspur. Portuguese U21 player Josue Sa, ooks likely to be brought in cheaply from Vitoria Guimaraes. Martin Skrtle has been linked to a move to Germany, but will most likely never eventuate given his contract talks with Liverpool. If anything, a contract with Inter Milan seems more probable than signing with Wolfsburg.
Overall, the transfer window could be heavily influenced by the offers the Wolves receive for De Bruyne. Wolfsburg will be looking to spend some of their hard-earned Champions league income on a big name or two for themselves, particularly to cement their position near the top of the Bundesliga table.
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