Gary O’Neil
Wolves boss Gary O’Neil says he expects Fabio Silva to be an important part of his Wolves squad this season. Silva’s future has been the subject of speculation since he spent last season out on loan at Anderlecht and PSV Eindhoven, scoring 16 goals over the campaign. But the 21 year old is under contract until 2026 and has impressed in pre-season back at Wolves. O’Neil was only appointed on Wednesday so explains he hasn’t had the chance to have a long discussion with the 21-year old Portuguese striker about his future. However, the manager has been impressed by what he has seen so far.
The new Wolves boss said of Silva
Gary O’Neil said: “I think he has had a good pre season. I have watched all the games. He has looked lively, a threat and looks fit. So, yes, I am pleased with where he is. It is only two days work with me so hard to know too much from that spell but, as I said, from the pre-season games and how bright he has looked, he looks like he will be a real asset for us. I am looking forward to working with him. But it is the same with a lot of the boys to be fair. I think a lot of them have had fairly good pre seasons, look sharp and fit and it is my job to keep improving that. I am really pleased with some of the attacking players and also the boys around the back and how solid they have looked and haven’t conceded too many goals in pre season. I will look to keep both of those things moving in the right direction.”
Silva, who cost Wolves a then-club record £35million from Porto three years ago, admitted in an interview this month that he wasn’t sure if he would still be at Wolves at the end of the transfer window. However, he said if he was a Wolves player, he would give everything for the club. O’Neil says the youngster can be an important player,
Gary O Neil explained: “I have only been here two days so I am not weighing up Fabio any more than I am weighing up anything else. I am just looking at the group. Fabio is a talented boy that has worked hard for two days since I have been here. He has given absolutely everything in the sessions and had a good pre season. So, from where I am sat right now, I expect Fabio to be a big part of what we do this year. So, this is not me looking at that any more deeply, just analysing the group as a whole as quickly as I can and trying to get to know everybody.”
