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Julen Lopetegui 'willing to give green light to Raul Jimenez Wolves exit'

Lopetegui 'willing to give green light to Jimenez Wolves exit'
© Reuters
Newly-appointed head coach Julen Lopetegui is reportedly happy for Wolverhampton Wanderers to part ways with Raul Jimenez in 2023.

Julen Lopetegui is reportedly open to Wolverhampton Wanderers parting ways with Raul Jimenez during one of the upcoming transfer windows.

On his official unveiling last month, the newly-appointed head coach acknowledged that he wanted to sign new players in January in a bid to improve the team's fortunes.

Furthermore, the former Spain, Real Madrid and Sevilla boss indicated that he was keen for Jimenez not to take any risks with his fitness in order to represent Mexico at the World Cup.

Despite a layoff lasting more than two-and-a-half months due to a groin issue, the forward was able to feature for 56 minutes across three substitute outings in Qatar.

Having seemingly come through unscathed, the 31-year-old will now return to Wolves with the view of featuring against Gillingham in the EFL Cup on December 20.

New Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Julen Lopetegui on November 12, 2022.© Reuters

Nevertheless, according to W Deportes, Lopetegui does not regard Jimenez as one of his primary options in the final third.

The report claims that Lopetegui would not stand in Jimenez's way if he wanted to sign for a new club in January or the summer transfer window.

Jimenez is regarded as a Wolves legend, contributing 55 goals and 23 assists from his 150 appearances in all competitions, but he has not made the same impact since suffering a near career-ending fractured skull towards the end of 2020.

Just seven goals have come from his most recent 38 outings, and it appears that Lopetegui is ready to bring about significant change at the turn of the year.

Matheus Cunha celebrates scoring for Atletico Madrid in May 2022© Reuters

Over the weekend, it was widely reported that Wolves were pressing ahead with attempting to sign Atletico Madrid forward Matheus Cunha, either on a temporary or permanent basis.

The Brazil international, who has been restricted to two starts and 14 substitute outings this term, is capable of playing in all positions in the attacking third of the pitch.

Wolves also possess Diego Costa as an option, while Hwang hee-Chan and Goncalo Guedes have been used as alternatives down the middle during 2022-23.

Jimenez, who has less than 19 months remaining on his contract, is said to have options in the MLS, while Mexican giants and Jimenez's former side Club America are allegedly monitoring any developments.

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Matheus Cunha celebrates scoring for Atletico Madrid in May 2022
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