Wolverhampton Wanderers have confirmed Ki-Jana Hoever's permanent transfer to Sparta Prague while completing the signings of John Ruddy and Joao Virginia to strengthen their goalkeeper department. Currently sidelined: Kieran Trippier, Yerson Mosquera.
What happened to Ki-Jana Hoever after his Sheffield United loan?
Ki-Jana Hoever has sealed a permanent move away from Wolverhampton Wanderers following his loan spell at Sheffield United. The 24-year-old, an attack-minded right back, was drafted in by Sheffield United during the winter transfer window. He made 16 appearances for the Blades before seeing his loan deal expire at the end of their Championship campaign. Wolves’ technical director Matt Jackson said: “When a player has a year left on his contract, you have to try and find a solution which works for all parties, and this does. Ki’s always been a great professional, so we’re delighted for him and he leaves with our best wishes.”
Where does Hoever go next in his career?
Wolves have allowed the former Netherlands youth international to join Czech giants Sparta Prague on a permanent basis. Hoever joined Wolves from Liverpool in 2020 but managed just 33 senior appearances across six years on the books of the Midlands club. Prior to his move to Sheffield United, the defender had loan stints at PSV Eindhoven, Stoke City and Auxerre. Sparta Prague’s sports director and ex-Arsenal playmaker Tomáš Rosický said: “Ki-Jana has had a rich football journey at the age of 24, regularly playing in the French Ligue 1 or the English Championship.”
Why did Wolves bring back John Ruddy?
Wolverhampton Wanderers have completed the signing of goalkeeper John Ruddy before the transfer deadline passes next Tuesday. The Championship outfit, who have allowed Daniel Bentley to join Premier League side Coventry City, welcome back Ruddy, who previously spent five seasons at Molineux, on a one-year deal. The 39-year-old won promotion with the club in 2017-18 and kept 24 clean sheets as they marched to the Championship title under Nuno Espirito Santo. Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto said: "It's important having a lot of experience in the team, and John knows the club very well, he's home at the club, so will be an important guy on the pitch, but also in the dressing room."
What does Joao Virginia add to Wolves' goalkeeping options?
Wolves have also added Virginia from Sporting Lisbon on a three-year deal. The 26-year-old was released by Everton last year and made the switch back to Portugal to join then champions Sporting. Last season Virginia made seven first-team appearances, including one in the Champions League, but has been allowed to return to England. Virginia returns to England having spent time in the academies of Arsenal and Everton, making eight senior appearances for the Toffees. Executive chairman Nathan Shi said: “Cesar rightly insisted this window that we must be patient and only sign players who improve our squad and are committed to the club, and Joao fits that description.”
These moves reshape Wolves' squad as they prepare for the upcoming Championship campaign, with Hoever's departure creating space in defence while Ruddy and Virginia add depth and experience to the goalkeeping department ahead of fixtures that can be tracked on our fixtures page.
