The Arrival and Early Promise of Collins at Wolves
Last summer Wolves beat competition from a number of Premier League clubs to secure the signing of one of the best young central defenders in England when they landed Nathan Collins from Burnley for a fee of £20mil.
The Surprise Sale to Brentford
This summer, in the dumbest move of the transfer window to date, Wolves have decided to sell Collins to Brentford at a small profit.
The Rocky Journey of Collins at Wolves
Yes, Collins had a tough season last year but he went into the season as a 21-year-old with only one season in the top flight under his belt. What were they expecting? Prime Alessandro Nesta?
Early Struggles and the Mismanagement of Collins
Collins had joined Burnley in the summer of 2021, and despite his best efforts the Clarets had been relegated and needed to make sales to balance their books and allow Vincent Kompany to rebuild the team. A number of clubs, including Brentford, tried to sign Collins but the young Irish defender settled on Wolves as his new home and joined the Midlands club who were expecting to build on the promising first season they had experienced under Bruno Lage.
Turmoil and Transition at Wolves
The season did not go to plan, with Lage dismissed after just eight games and no replacement lined up. Wolves flailed around for the six months prior to the World Cup, trying desperately to convince Julen Lopetegui to become their new boss. They were, eventually, successful, but by the time he actually stepped into the role. Caretaker Steve Davis oversaw a shocking run of form with the former Burnley and Barnsley defender looking completely out of his depth in charge of a Premier League team.
A Team in Crisis, Collins Sidelined
When Lopetegui took over, the team was at rock bottom. There was no structure to what they had been doing, they couldn’t score enough goals and they couldn’t stop them going in at the other end.
The Potential Missed by Wolves
Lopetegui decided to add the experienced Craig Dawson to bring some leadership and organisation to the team, and Collins was sacrificed to the bench. It was understandable at the time, Collins had not performed well. But neither had anyone else. Jose Sa, Nelson Semedo, and Max Kilman had also been terrible, and there was no protection of the defense from the midfield.
Brentford’s Gain, Wolves’ Loss
Instead, Wolves, possibly desperate for money, have sold him to Brentford and their stupidity will benefit not only the Bees but also Collins himself. Thomas Frank’s back three, which Collins will likely play in the middle of, is perfect for him to continue his development. Brentford have a proven track record of developing young players and providing a good environment for players to play through poor runs of form.
A Move that Could Prove Costly for Wolves
Given Collins’s age, ability, and potential, this could prove to be one of the signings of the summer and a sale that Wolves will massively regret.
I can tell whoever wrote this clearly didn’t watch Collins for Wolves last season. Looked miles out of his depth in the Premier League. Smart move to get rid before they lose money.
Utter nonsense.
Three clubs in three seasons point to him having an attitude problem or something.. Brentford can have him all they want ✌🏻 let’s see how he does 23/24 and where he’ll be the start of the 24/25 season 😅
Utter nonsense.
Clueless author. Collins was awful for Wolves last season.
Wolves were awful last season.
Hey Dave, you do know that Wolves are trying to meet FFP requirements and they already have an up and coming England defender in Max Kilman?
It was an investment they intended to nurture but the nature of the beast meant that he had to be moved on, they got their investment and Nathan has moved on to a fantastic club that develops players.
I’m not sure why your article is full of so much vitriol towards Wolves, you talk some sense but then decide to attack the club in some sort of childish outburst-ish manner you should get in touch with Gabby Agbonlahor perhaps? He likes nothing better than putting Wolves down, other than making his chin and belly grow.
Given that this is all in print (see libel) I wonder if the only one heading for massive trouble is you.
Have a nice day!
Hi Rich,
You should probably research what libel means.
You should also realise that a 26 year old is not up and coming.
You only had to watch Collins play in what was one of the best defences in the EPL the season before to turn that team into a liability and panic stricken defence, to understand that Burnley had turned Wolves over. and we risked the reality that we had wasted £20m when we had better in our Academy.
His assault on Jack Grealish was his highlight of his season, and to Pair him with Mee who he got relegated at Burnley with will turn another tight ship into the Mary Rose. Collins has that top 6 look yep if you are Tottenham as he makes Dier look mobile. Wolves clever enough to make a proffit and add clauses to ensure we win win. but Coady is a bigger loss than Collins who i would class as Roger Johnson MkII, Google it fella.
Utter nonsense
The irony of the author commenting ‘Utter nonsense’ on comments on his ‘Utter nonsense’ article. Clearly doesn’t watch football.
Stop crying Pete, your too old for tantrums.