Stars in Europe - Burkina Faso - Transfer - Traoré joined Wolverhampton Wanderers
The Details
Wolves have signed former Sunderland and Aston Villa winger Bertrand Traoré on a one-year contract. The 31-year-old left Sunderland in the spring after 12 appearances in his single season on Wearside, following his move from Ajax.
The Manager's View
"It's a position we wanted, and he's a good player to improve the team, one more option," said head coach Cesar Peixoto. "He has the right characteristics I want in this position: good one-versus-one, strong, left-footed to score or assist, and fast to attack the space."
The Reality Check
Peixoto is realistic about the timeline. Traoré has been training alone and needs time to reach match fitness and learn the team's ideas.
The Credentials
91 caps for Burkina Faso, and captain of the Stallions at this year's Africa Cup of Nations. Traoré joined Chelsea at 18 and made his Premier League and Champions League debuts there. Loans at Vitesse and Ajax followed, including a run to the Europa League final. After three seasons at Lyon, he moved to Villa for £17m and scored 10 goals in 62 games over four years. Villarreal and a second spell at Ajax came next.
The Closer
A Burkinabè captain, a Premier League veteran and a Championship promotion push. Traoré's Molineux chapter starts once he's fit.
Burkina Faso
England