Wolverhampton Wanderers have announced the signing of OGC Nice midfielder Mario Lemina (29) this Friday. The Gabonese international returns to the Premier League after previous stints at Southampton (2017-2019) and Fulham (2020-2021). Lemina signs a two-and-a-half year deal with the Molineux side. The transfer includes a further 1-year option. It is reported that the fee will be estimated at around €10m. Lemina will wear the #5 jersey with Wolves.
Our latest addition… ✍️📸 @LeminaM_13#WelcomeLemina pic.twitter.com/fBg8tR265n
— Wolves (@Wolves) January 13, 2023
With Les Aiglons, Lemina made 58 appearances, the last of which a 6-1 mauling of Montpellier on Wednesday, during his 18-month stay on the French Riviera. Lemina is a hard-working right-footed box-to-box midfielder. Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs revealed the Gabonese was courted by both Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui and the recruitment team, speaking of him as the number one target for midfield reinforcements for the 19th-placed side in the Premier League. “He speaks the language perfectly, he knows the pace and physicality of the league, and we know he has the attributes to deal with that no problem at all”, added Hobbs.
Lemina is the second Wolves signing during this winter transfer window after Matheus Cunha. Out-of-favour Spanish international attacking midfielder Pablo Sarabia (30) is expected to join Wolverhampton shortly.