Wolverhampton Wanderers will not take up their option to sign Leo Bonatini permanently this summer.

Bonatini spent the 2017/18 campaign on-loan with Wolves from Al-Hilal, with the striker playing a role in helping Nuno Espirito Santo’s side to promotion back to the Premier League.

However, according to the Express and Star’s Tim Spiers, Wolves will not take up their option to sign Bonatini permanently this summer.

The 24-year-old striker featured regularly during the first-half of the season, helping to put Wolves into promotion contention.

The Brazilian scored 12 Championship goals and registered five assists, but his form dipped during the second-half of the season.

Bonatini’s last goal in old gold came in early December’s 1-0 victory over Birmingham City, with the striker’s final 25 appearances bringing no goals.

Benik Afobe, who arrived in January, was preferred to Bonatini for large parts of the second-half of the season, with the on-loan Bournemouth forward helping to fire Wolves to promotion.

Whilst it looks unlikely that Bonatini will return, Wolves are also considering whether to bring back Afobe, Alfred N’Diaye and Ruben Vinagre.

Diogo Jota is expected to complete a £13m permanent move, whilst the Express and Star understand that a £10m deal is in place for Willy Boly to return.

The Verdict  

Bonatini’s inconsistent second-half to the season has probably cost him a permanent move to Molineux.

However, this news is likely to put a host of Championship clubs on alert, as the 24-year-old has a lot to offer in the second-tier.

During the first-half of the season, Bonatini was superb and if he can rediscover that form, he could be a superb addition.

Wolves fans… Let us know your thoughts!