[Official] Mexico's star striker returns to Wolverhampton after three years... vows to help former club gain promotion, targets Hong Myung-bo's goal

*This content was translated by AI.

Mexico national team star striker Raul Jimenez (35) has made a surprise return to his former club Wolverhampton, which was relegated to the English Championship (second division).

Global sports specialist ESPN reported on the 10th (Korean time) that "Jimenez, who became a free agent (FA), has signed a two-year contract with Wolverhampton that includes a one-year extension option."

According to media reports, Jimenez, who was playing for Fulham, received transfer offers from English Premier League (EPL) clubs but made a loyal choice to help his former club, which was relegated to the bottom of the table last season, gain promotion. With this move, Wolverhampton successfully secured its third summer signing, following Kieran Trippier and Ladislav Krejci.

Jimenez was a key striker who led Wolverhampton during its golden era. From 2018 to 2023, he played 166 official matches, scoring 57 goals and providing 22 assists. In particular, during the 2019-2020 season, he exploded with 27 goals, leading the team to the UEFA Europa League (UEL) quarterfinals. He also shared the attack with South Korea's national team striker Hwang Hee-chan from the 2021-2022 season onward.

After suffering a career-threatening skull fracture in November 2020, he faced a difficult period before moving to Fulham in 2023 for a transfer fee of 5.5 million pounds (approximately 11.1 billion won). During his three seasons at Fulham, he recorded 31 goals in 115 matches, demonstrating his continued strength. With his contract expiring this summer, he left Fulham and returned to Molineux Stadium after three years.

Club executives welcomed the legendary return with great enthusiasm. Nathan E. (Nathan E.) said, "The return of the club's all-time top scorer and a player who symbolizes the team's identity is a very special moment." Rob Edwards, the manager, expressed his expectations, stating, "He is a veteran who perfectly understands the club's DNA. His presence will be a great help when demanding high standards from the squad."

With his return to his former club confirmed, Jimenez's immediate challenge is the North American World Cup. As the main striker for co-host Mexico, he will face South Africa in the first Group A match on the 12th. Jimenez is also a key player to watch for Hong Myung-bo's team, which must face Mexico in the group stage.

The media reported that "Jimenez plans to join Wolverhampton's pre-season camp after completing all World Cup duties and will officially begin the challenge to gain promotion to the first division."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.