Wolves gamble on ex‑Chelsea forward to boost promotion push

Wolves, sitting ninth in the Championship, have moved to plug a creative void by signing 31‑year‑old ex‑Chelsea forward Bertrand Traore on a free transfer, a week after the EFL deadline closed, after Sunderland released him at the end of his contract, hoping his versatility can aid their push for promotion.

Deal sealed after deadline

The 31‑year‑old joined Wolves on a free transfer, signing a one‑year contract six days after the EFL window closed. He left Sunderland at the end of his contract in the summer, having made 12 appearances for the Black Cats in a single season. Wolves become the ninth club of his career, as reported by Getty.

Traore captains Burkina Faso and is one of the nation’s most‑capped players with 91 caps and 22 goals. He debuted for the senior side at 15 in 2011 and helped the team finish third at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

European pedigree and goal record

Traore began at Chelsea after leaving Auxerre, making his Premier League and Champions League debuts there. He spent loan spells at Vitesse Arnhem and Ajax, the latter reaching a Europa League final. He later moved permanently to Lyon in 2017, then returned to England with Aston Villa, scoring seven goals in 36 league games in 2020/21. A £17m move took him to Villa, where he added ten goals in 62 appearances across four seasons before a stint at Villarreal and a second spell at Ajax.

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Executive chairman Nathan Shi said Traore needs time to regain fitness after training alone and to learn Wolves’ style of play. Head coach Cesar Peixoto added that the winger possesses strong one‑on‑one ability, is left‑footed, and can both score and create. Peixoto also warned that the Championship is very tough and the squad requires two players in each position.

Wolves travel to Sheffield United on Sunday, but Shi cautioned that the fixture may come too soon for Traore to make his debut. The team currently sit ninth in the Championship, having won two and drawn two of their opening five games.

Managed by Cesar Peixoto, Wolves are aiming to return to the Premier League after relegation last season. The addition of Traore provides another option as they fight to climb the table.