How Wolves pulled off their shock Raul Jimenez transfer

It was in a Wolves shirt that the Mexican sensation made his name in the Premier League, becoming one of the most lethal strikers in Europe for two full seasons between 2018 and 2020.

He then sustained a horrendous head injury and never regained his best form for Wolves, but he admirably bounced back in a Fulham shirt to provide some more impressive numbers.

Jimenez was treated appallingly by Julen Lopetegui in the final home game of the campaign in 2022/23, when the head coach did not bring Jimenez on for his last Wolves appearance at Molineux ahead of a summer move away.

As the final substitutions were made, the striker reacted by throwing his training jacket at the dugout and storming off down the tunnel, before returning to the pitch for a lap of appreciation in tears.

But Jimenez's Wolves chapter is not over and in what feels like a true full circle moment, the 35-year-old has the chance to etch his name into more Wolves history.

For the player and the club there is a feeling of unfinished business.

Initial conversations began between Wolves, the player and his representatives the week before Fulham's trip to Molineux last month and it was after that game - in Wolves' final home match of the season - where the possibility of Jimenez's stunning return ramped up.

Not only did the player himself open the door to that possibility in an interview with the Express & Star after the game, but Wolves chairman Nathan Shi was spotted in intense conversation with the player at full-time.

Jimenez's partner Daniela Basso posted several times on her social media accounts leading up to the game, during it and after, showing her affection for Wolves and Wolverhampton and it is understood Jimenez's family were supportive of the decision to return to Wolves.

There was a unanimous decision between head coach Rob Edwards and Wolves’ hierarchy to make a move for Jimenez, but it was Shi that led the charge in making it happen.

Not only did Shi ensure he spoke to Jimenez after the game against Fulham, but he also spoke to the player’s family to pitch the idea of an unlikely reunion.

Shi was instrumental in getting the deal done and both Edwards and Jimenez have credited him in club interviews for his work in making it a reality.

Jimenez has also been offered a strong salary for the Championship and that will not go unnoticed, but the reception the striker received at Molineux also played a part.

The Mexican felt the love from the Wolves fans, despite wearing a Fulham shirt, and began to seriously consider a dream return. The power of the ‘Si Senor’ chant knows no bounds.

After those early conversations there was an initial feeling that a deal could drag on with the World Cup starting imminently, but it is understood Jimenez took time last week to make his final decision before communicating it with Wolves.

The 35-year-old had interest from the MLS and other sides, while he also had one firm offer on the table from a Premier League club that was prepared to give him significantly more money than Wolves, but he still chose to drop to the Championship.

Once the decision was made, a desire from all parties to get it wrapped up before Mexico’s opening World Cup game on Thursday meant Wolves had to spring into action to get it over the line.

A party of three Wolves staff made the overseas trip to the Mexico camp to complete the transfer.

Director of football operations and administration Matt Wild was on hand to complete the contract, director of performance Phil Hayward did the medical and Yannie Makarounas flew out to oversee content around pictures, video and interviews while working with local freelancers.

They flew out on Sunday morning and returned to the UK on Wednesday morning, after achieving one of the most highly anticipated Wolves transfers for some time.

The Mexican FA were accommodating and helpful in offering logistical support and Wolves’ three-day mission in the North American nation was a resounding success.

The outcome is a fan favourite player returning to the club with the aim of becoming even more iconic in the eyes of fans, if he can help get Wolves back to where they belong.

Adam Armstrong agreed to vacate the number nine shirt so that Jimenez can wear it on his return to the Molineux club - in a fitting conclusion to Wolves’ impressive feat at pulling this signing off.