Sheffield United's Championship rivals make latest statement signing to send out promotion warning
Wolves have bolstered their attacking options by re-signing Mexican international Raúl Jiménez on a free transfer.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have made their second statement signing of the week by re-signing striker Raúl Jiménez to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the 2026/27 Championship campaign.
The striker, who could start Mexico’s World Cup opener against South Africa on Thursday evening, has returned to Molineux on an initial two-year deal. He previously played for Wolves between 2018 and 2023, scoring 57 goals in 166 games.
Jiménez has returned to the Black Country outfit ahead of his contract at Fulham expiring at the end of this month. He spent three seasons at Craven Cottage and scored nine goals in 36 Premier League appearances in the most recent campaign.
The former Benfica man was officially unveiled as a Wolves player on Tuesday evening, just over 24 hours after they announced the signing of right-back Kieran Trippier. He, too, has joined Wolves on a two-year deal ahead of his contract expiring at Newcastle United.
Wolves will compete in the Championship next season for the first time since 2017/18 after being relegated from the Premier League with just 20 points to their name. However, the additions of Trippier and Jiménez offer clear indications of how ambitious they are to return to the top flight at the first attempt.
The Championship, from next season, will feature an expanded play-off system, meaning the top eight will each be in with a chance of earning promotion to the Premier League. Sheffield United will, of course, be looking to take advantage of that after finishing 13th in 2025/26.
Manager Chris Wilder is determined to drag the Blades into promotion contention next season after they boasted the ninth-best record in the division between his return last September and the end of the season.
The boyhood Blade is desperate to strengthen his squad this summer by adding some valuable experience and players of Championship pedigree. Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips is among his top targets while the likes of Ipswich Town’s Jack Clarke and Lewis Dobbin of Aston Villa are understood to be on Wilder’s wish list.
The summer transfer window will officially open for business on June 15.