Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Raul Jimenez has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Barcelona.
The 31-year-old has already established himself as an important part of Wolves' history, contributing 56 goals from his 152 appearances in all competitions.
However, since suffering a fractured skull in November 2020, the Mexico international has failed to regain his best form, despite going on to make 42 appearances since that traumatic incident.
At the same time, Wolves have struggled for goals in the final third, and injuries during pre-season and at the beginning of September have prevented Jimenez from building any notable momentum during 2022-23.
Since the arrival of head coach Julen Lopetegui, Wolves have moved to sign Matheus Cunha from Atletico Madrid, the Brazil international now expected to command a spot in the starting lineup.
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The incoming of Cunha may theoretically leave Jimenez to spend further time on the substitutes' bench, like he has done in Lopetegui's first three games in charge.
Nevertheless, according to ESPN, Jimenez is said to be under consideration for a switch to Barcelona at the midway point of the campaign.
The report suggests that Barcelona are "tracking" any developments with Jimenez's future at Molineux, aware that a situation may arise where he could be allowed to leave.
Barcelona are not short of options in the final third and Robert Lewandowski is the club's undisputed first choice down the middle of the attack.
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However, it remains to be seen whether Memphis Depay will stay at Camp Nou to act as deputy to the Poland international now that he has recovered from a hamstring injury which kept him sidelined for six weeks before the World Cup.
While it has been alleged that Barcelona are happy to part ways with the Dutchman before his contract expires in the summer, Depay is in no rush to sign for another club.
Jimenez has 18 months remaining on his contract at Wolves, although it is unclear what level of transfer fee that the West Midlands would strive to recoup should an exit become a possibility.
Given their financial situation, Champions League exit and priority being placed on contract renewals, Barcelona are not expected to be willing to spend a significant fee on Jimenez.
Darren Plant
