Transfer Talk: Wind on Fulham's radar after taking Bundesliga by storm

Jonas Wind could be the answer to Fulham's goalscoring problems.

Despite an encouraging 2022-23 season, Marco Silva's side have struggled desperately in the final third so far this term.

No player in the team has netted more than twice in all competitions and the Cottagers have clearly lacked a dependable out-and-out striker.

Ahead of tonight's clash with Wolves, we take a look at how Wolfsburg forward Wind — who has been linked with a move to West London — could be an ideal acquisition in the January transfer window.

Attacking woes

Though they have often been prolific and free-flowing during periods of Silva's tenure, Fulham are currently the joint-lowest scorers in the Premier League with just 10 goals from 12 matches.

Although Raul Jimenez was signed from this evening's opponents Wolves in the summer, there is still a notable absence of a reliable No9 and a feeling that too many chances have been squandered this term.

That is backed up by the numbers, with Fulham currently underperforming their xG of 14.59.

The Cottagers have missed 10 big chances and only scored five big opportunities, suggesting they are in need of a clinical marksman.

Making opportunities is also a major concern, with only Sheffield United (78) behind Fulham for chances created (97).

Finding a reliable goalscorer could be what propels Fulham away from any talk of a relegation battle and towards the top half of the table.

Bundesliga breeze

Wind might be the difference maker for a team in Fulham's position.

The 24-year-old has scored over half of Wolfsburg's Bundesliga goals in 2023-24, finding the net nine times in 12 appearances.

After scoring five and six goals during his first two seasons in Germany, Wind is now enjoying a breakthrough year.

The Denmark international has outperformed his xG of 6.39 and has an impressive post-shot xG of 9.15, with only Bayern Munich sensation Harry Kane posting a higher number (14.38).

Wind is also more than capable of being a focal point in attack, ranking joint-seventh among Bundesliga strikers for aerial duels won (33).

With Jimenez and Carlos Vinicius struggling for form, introducing a forward high in confidence could be the recipe for success at Craven Cottage.

Complete striker

Fulham need look no further than Wolfsburg manager Niko Kovac for a summary of Wind's qualities.

Back in August, he said: "He [Wind] is the No1 striker for us at the moment and probably in the league too.

"He's hitting everything right now and he's in a really good mood. He's physically fit, very motivated and a leader."

Wind could not ask for a better endorsement — and he has continued to hit those same heights throughout the season.

If anything, he has gone under the radar somewhat, having been overshadowed in Germany by the brilliance of Kane and the prolific form of Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy.

That Wind has regularly found the net in a Wolfsburg side struggling to create chances will make him an even more appealing option for Fulham.

If they can sign the 6ft 3in attacker when the transfer window reopens, the Cottagers might start to look forward again rather than over their shoulder.

For now, though, Silva must find a way to get his team firing in the short-term, starting with a difficult test against Wolves.