Online Reporter
Wolverhampton Wanderers have reached an agreement with Paris FC to let midfielder Marshall Munetsi (pictured left) leave on loan for the rest of the season.
The Old Gold, eager to free up a non-homegrown spot or several in their Premier League squad, have been working out who is no longer required. Munetsi, who was very much a signing tailored to the needs of former head coach Vitor Pereira, is one of those deemed surplus to requirements.
Signed for around £17,5 million from Stade de Reims last winter, Munetsi made a strong first impression and gained a reputation as a midfield powerhouse. However, it quickly became apparent that the Zimbabwe international’s main strengths were his physical attributes, and that his technical ability perhaps did not meet the standard required in the Premier League.
Munetsi is now on his way out of Molineux, though not permanently. Our sister publication, the Express & Star, reports the Zimbabwean has “agreed a loan move” to Paris FC for the rest of the campaign as he seeks to play more regular minutes.
Paris FC will cover all of Munetsi’s wages and a small loan fee is to be paid, however there is no option to buy included in the deal. It’s not done just yet as Munetsi still needs to complete a medical, but it’s expected the 29-year-old will finalise his move back to Ligue 1 shortly.
Although a controversial deal considering it doesn’t include any view to a permanent transfer, Wolves letting Munetsi go for the next few months does allow more freedom in the market. The Old Gold can now go after at least one non-homegrown player that they may otherwise have had to turn down. It’s a shame it hasn’t worked out for Munetsi at Wolves, as the midfielder certainly doesn’t lack passion or work rate. Pereira was well aware of Munetsi’s shortcomings but he valued the midfielder’s stamina and perseverance. As a result, Munetsi was often named in Pereira’s starting line-ups.
After Wolves’ 1-1 draw away at Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the season, Pereira told Birmingham World: “Munetsi, I tell you… when we look for footballers, technique is one thing, but football is not only about technique. Football is about tactical spirit, physicality; Munetsi is like an animal. Running and running and running.
“If he plays five minutes, he gives us everything. If he plays 90 minutes or he plays extra time, I know what I can expect from him. For us, this is the kind of player — a very honest player giving everything for the club — that we need to support.”
Then, when asked whether Munetsi exudes the personality and identity Pereira wanted from his Wolves side as a whole, the manager added: “Of course, of course. We need it.” — Online
