Wolverhampton Wanderers have officially announced the signing of Raul Jimenez, with the two sides signing a two-year contract.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have officially announced the return of striker Raul Jimenez to the team. The renowned forward, who once wrote a glorious chapter at Molineux Stadium, has once again donned the Wolves jersey, signing a two-year contract with an option to extend for another year.  

For Wolves fans, Raul Jimenez's name is inextricably linked to a glorious era. He is considered one of the club's greatest strikers and one of the most iconic players of the Premier League era. During his time with the club from 2018 to 2023, he made 166 appearances and scored 57 goals, witnessing and participating in the team's transformation from a newly promoted side to a powerhouse.  

Shortly after Wolverhampton Wanderers' promotion to the Premier League, they signed Raul Jimenez on loan from Benfica. The striker quickly integrated into Nuno Espirito Santo's tactical system, becoming a key figure in the team's attack. In his first Premier League season, he helped the team secure a seventh-place finish with several crucial goals. The following season, he scored 27 goals in all competitions, leading Wolves to the Europa League quarterfinals and continuing their challenge for a Champions League spot in the league.  

Raul Jimenez's impact on Wolves extends beyond his goals on the pitch. A severe head injury he suffered against Arsenal in 2020 didn't break him; instead, it forged his incredible resilience and fighting spirit. With unwavering determination, he gradually returned to the field and worked tirelessly to regain his form, earning him even greater respect from the fans.  

During Wolves' period when they dared to challenge Premier League giants, Raul Jimenez was a key figure in the team's system and witnessed many iconic moments. His identification with and love for Wolverhampton also forged a deep and lasting emotional bond between him and the fans.  

After three successful seasons at Fulham, Raul Jimenez has returned to the club that nurtured his Premier League star career. He will also be wearing his familiar number 9 jersey again. Current number 9 Adam Armstrong voluntarily relinquished the number upon learning of Jimenez's return.  

Against the backdrop of the club's 150th anniversary, Raúl Jiménez's return to Molineux takes on a deeper symbolic meaning; it's not just a signing, but the return of a club legend. Wolves Executive Chairman Shi Yu stated, "Bringing Raúl Jiménez back to Wolves is a very meaningful moment for everyone who cares about the club."  

“Raul Jimenez was not only one of the most influential strikers when he wore the Wolves jersey, but also a player who truly embodied the club’s spirit. He left countless precious memories for the team and participated in building the most glorious period in recent years. We know his special significance to the fans, so it is a very happy thing to welcome him back to Molineux on the 150th anniversary.”  

Head coach Rob Edwards said: “We are really happy to have Raul Jimenez with us, and I believe everyone is excited about it. He has a lot of experience and knows Wolverhampton and everything here very well. He understands the club culture, traditions and what it means to play for Wolves. This will also be a help to me because he has been through all of this and knows what the team demands of its players, so I am really happy to have him back.”  

“I was with the club when he first joined, so I witnessed everything he brought to Wolves. He was a core part of the team during its most successful period in recent years. I understand his importance to the club and the fans, but this is not a signing based solely on emotion. We believe he is the right choice to achieve the team's goals, so we are very happy to complete this signing.”  

Technical Director Matt Jackson said: "We are delighted to bring Raul Jimenez back to Wolves, and I believe the fans feel the same way. The enthusiastic response he received from the fans in the previous game against Fulham spoke volumes about his status. It will be a very special thing to see him fighting for the team again."  

“Shi Yu deserves high praise for his role in pushing this deal forward, as Raul Jimenez also received other options. However, Shi Yu understood his importance to the fans and resolutely pushed through all the efforts, ultimately leading to his return to Molineux.”  

"But the significance of this signing goes beyond a return of nostalgia; more importantly, it's about the competitive contributions he can bring to the team. Raul Jimenez still possesses outstanding playing ability, which is the key reason why the club brought him in. Of course, the sight of him celebrating a goal in front of the Molineux South Stand once again is enough to excite everyone."  

Speaking about his return to Wolves, Raul Jimenez said: "It feels really great. It's incredibly exciting to be back here, back to the place where the most important part of my career took place. I hope to continue working as hard as I did when I first arrived, and help the team get back to where it belongs."  

“My first goal is to help Wolves return to the Premier League and score as many goals as possible. In addition, I want to be one of the leaders in the dressing room and an important part of the team, not only on the pitch but also off the pitch, leading everyone with professionalism. I am really happy to be back and be part of the Wolves again. A Wolves man, always a Wolves man.”  

Image source: Internet/Wolves official website