Wolverhampton Wanderers have bolstered their defensive ranks with the signing of Czech Republic international Krej, who arrives on a £26 million permanent deal that could run until 2030 once performance-related clauses are met. The 26-year-old centre-half, who is equally comfortable playing in midfield, becomes Wolves’ latest addition in a busy transfer window.
Krej joins from Girona, where he made 35 appearances last season as the Spanish side narrowly avoided relegation by a single point. Before his move to La Liga, he spent five successful years at Sparta Prague, winning two domestic league titles and establishing himself as one of the Czech league’s most consistent defenders. His versatility and experience are expected to provide much-needed stability to a Wolves side that has lost their opening two Premier League fixtures.
This summer, Wolves have already strengthened with the arrivals of full-backs Jackson Tchatchoua and David Moller Wolfe, as well as forwards Fer Lopez and Jhon Arias. However, the club’s transfer business is far from over, with manager Vitor Pereira keen to add at least one striker before Monday’s deadline. At the same time, Wolves are fighting to keep hold of star forward Jorgen Strand Larsen, who has attracted significant interest from Newcastle United.
The Magpies have seen two bids of £50 million and £55 million rejected for the Norway international, who underlined his value by coming off the bench to score twice in the final eight minutes of Wolves’ dramatic 3-2 EFL Cup victory over West Ham on Tuesday. Speaking after the match, Pereira admitted every player has a price but stressed his determination to retain the striker. “He is a very important player,” the Wolves boss said. “He wants to play, he wants to help the team, and he will never force a move. For me, it is very important to keep this kind of player with us.”
With Everton visiting Molineux on Saturday, Wolves will be hoping Krej’s arrival and Larsen’s form can help kickstart their Premier League campaign while uncertainty lingers over potential late moves in the transfer market.
