Wolves reject £3.5m Anderlecht offer as Portsmouth eyes Traore

Wolves have turned down a £3.5 million bid from Anderlecht for midfielder Boubacar Traore, and Portsmouth are also watching the Mali international as the club plans its midfield options beyond the summer deadline. The 25‑year‑old remains under contract until 2027, with a 12‑month option, prompting the club to weigh his role under new manager Cesar Peixoto.

Midfield gap drives Wolves' stance

Wolves possess a deep midfield pool, yet retaining a natural number six is seen as essential after the arrival of Cesar Peixoto. Options such as Jean‑Ricner Bellegarde and Tommy Doyle provide depth, but Doyle has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, highlighting the need for a clear first‑choice holding midfielder.

Traore arrived at Molineux in the summer of 2022 from Metz, but injuries and competition limited him to 43 appearances for the club. He spent the previous campaign on loan back in Ligue 1 with his former side, underscoring a frustrating four‑year spell since his signing.

Under Peixoto, Traore enjoyed a decent pre‑season and featured in the last two matches, including an impressive display in the EFL Cup win at Sheffield Wednesday. While not a guaranteed starter, his recent form suggests he could become a valuable squad member this season.

Bid rejection and lingering interest

Anderlecht’s £3.5 million offer was rejected, with the club describing it as falling far below Traore’s valuation. Wolves originally paid a significantly higher fee – reported at £11 million – making the Belgian bid appear low.

Portsmouth and Racing Santander have also been monitoring Traore ahead of the deadline, adding further interest to his situation. The midfielder’s contract runs until 2027, and a 12‑month extension option exists, but the club acknowledges the possibility of a move in the current window.

Forward options such as Hwang Hee‑chan and Saša Kalajdžić are not deemed essential, and doubts remain over the futures of Santi Bueno and Ladislav Krejčí. This suggests a potentially busy end to the transfer window as Wolves look to balance the squad.

Us supporters will be watching closely as the club decides whether to retain Traore, seek a replacement, or allow other midfielders to depart to meet financial targets.

Action Image By  Chris Gallagher AM GMT+1 Chris is a freelance writer for Football League World. Graduating from Leeds Trinity University, Chris has been part of the FLW team since 2017 and has produced thousands of articles. Primarily covering the Championship, Chris has attended West Brom and Birmingham City matches over the years to provide detailed match reports and sitting in on press conferences.