Injuries have plagued Wolves since the start of the year, and midfielder Boubacar Traore has been a prime example of their misfortune. Last season, Traore was beginning to establish himself as a key player in the Wolves midfield, making 24 Premier League appearances. However, his progress has been interrupted, underscoring the ongoing injury challenges the club has faced.
Breaking into Wolves’ competitive midfield lineup was already a challenge for Boubacar Traore, given the presence of Joao Gomes, Mario Lemina, and Tommy Doyle. With the addition of Andre, his playing time seemed further limited. Traore was poised for a potential move to Feyenoord over the summer, but a serious knee injury in the Carabao Cup win against Burnley halted those plans. Now sidelined until Christmas, Traore has missed the early part of the season, and Wolves fans are eager to see him back to his best once he returns.
Boubacar Traore’s Wolves wage may come as a surprise given his squad role. According to Capology, Traore earns £55,000 per week, making him the sixth-highest earner at Wolves. Only Matheus Cunha, Hwang Hee-chan, Nelson Semedo, Pablo Sarabia, and Goncalo Guedes take home more, highlighting Wolves’ investment in the Malian international despite his limited playing time due to injury setbacks.
The Wanderers have adopted a savvy financial approach in recent years, focusing on controlled wage spending and spotting transfer bargains. This strategy has allowed them to bring in talented players without breaking the bank, demonstrating a clear commitment to building a competitive squad on a budget.
This financial hit is a tough pill for Wolves to swallow. Since the start of pre-season in July, Boubacar Traore has earned a staggering £1,045,000, translating to £1,045,000 per appearance for the club this season. Even more eye-opening is his per-minute rate: with only one appearance (in the Carabao Cup), he’s effectively made £23,222 per minute on the pitch. It’s an unfortunate consequence of his injury struggles, especially as he’s yet to feature in a single Premier League game this season.
When Boubacar Traore returns around Christmas, Gary O’Neil should consider easing him back gradually to ensure he’s fully match-fit and avoid risking re-injury. Traore’s physicality and ability to break up play could add depth to Wolves’ midfield, particularly in a busy holiday fixture period. Initially, O’Neil could limit his minutes, perhaps bringing him on as a late substitute, before gradually increasing his involvement based on his form and fitness.
By rotating Traore with other midfielders like Joao Gomes, Mario Lemina, and Tommy Doyle, O’Neil can manage squad fatigue while maximizing Traore’s contributions. Additionally, a cautious approach with Traore may allow him to regain his confidence and form, which could prove crucial in Wolves’ push for consistency in the second half of the season.
Boubacar Traore’s return presents Gary O’Neil with a decision: while Traore’s talent and physicality would enhance squad depth, regular game time might still be hard to come by, given the strong performances of Joao Gomes, Andre, and Mario Lemina. A loan move could provide Traore with the regular minutes he needs to develop further, but Wolves’ persistent injury issues, especially with Andre’s recent setback, make retaining him a safe option.
O’Neil might consider using Traore as a rotational player, stepping in during congested fixtures or when injuries strike, while still exploring loan options as a contingency. Keeping Traore engaged and match-fit within the squad could prove invaluable, particularly if Wolves are to navigate the challenges of a long season.