Fulham has secured the services of Mexico striker Raul Jimenez from fellow Premier League side Wolves for a fee of around £5m. The 32-year-old has inked a two-year deal with Fulham, with an option for a third year.
During his five seasons at Molineux after joining from Benfica in a record £30m move, Jimenez showcased his goal-scoring prowess, netting 57 goals in 166 games. Fulham’s move for Jimenez comes as the future of their star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic remains uncertain, with the Serbia international eyeing a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, following a rejected £25m bid.
Jimenez expressed his excitement, saying, “It’s really important for me to arrive here. I will try to do my best for the team, one of the most iconic teams in the Premier League. I’m happy to be here and to play in this stadium, it’s a really good stadium, I like it here. I’m going to give my best to keep scoring goals in the Premier League.”
After a nine-month spell out due to a fractured skull sustained in a clash with Arsenal defender David Luiz in 2020, Jimenez struggled to regain his goal-scoring form. Before the injury, he scored 34 goals in 86 Premier League games for Wolves, but afterward, he managed only six goals in 49 games, with three of them coming in the Carabao Cup last season.
Raul Jimenez is Fulham’s first summer signing, following their 10th-place finish under manager Marco Silva last season. Wolves’ sporting director Matt Hobbs praised Jimenez’s contributions, stating that he will be remembered as one of the greatest number nines to represent the club, considering his goals and overall performances.
Wolves have been forced to sell several first-team players, including captain Ruben Neves, former skipper Conor Coady, and center-back Nathan Collins, due to Financial Fair Play rules, which have impacted their transfer plans for the summer. Despite the challenges, Wolves’ boss Julen Lopetegui remains determined to balance the squad and stay competitive in the Premier League.
