Full Breakdown
Wolves Secure Return of Striker Raúl Jiménez Ahead of Championship Campaign
6/11/2026, 12:33:40 AM
Deal Details and Immediate Context
Wolverhampton Wanderers confirmed that Mexican international Raúl Jiménez has signed a two-year contract, with an option for a further year, on a free transfer from Fulham. The 35-year-old completed his medical in early June and will join the squad after Mexico’s opening World Cup match against South Africa. Wolves, who finished bottom of the Premier League in 2025-26, will compete in the Championship for the first time since 2017-18.
Background: Jiménez’s Tenure at Wolves and Fulham
Jiménez first arrived at Wolves on loan from Benfica in 2018, later converting the move to a permanent €38 million (£33 million) transfer. Over five seasons he recorded 57 goals and 23 assists in 166 appearances, earning the club’s Footballer of the Year award twice. A fractured skull in November 2020 curtailed his progress, and he left for Fulham in 2023 after the London club paid €6.4 million for his services. At Fulham he scored 31 goals in 115 matches, including 10 goals and three assists in 43 Premier League and cup games during the 2025-26 season.
Player Profile and Statistics
- Age: 35
- Wolves (2018-2023): 57 goals, 23 assists, 166 games
- Fulham (2023-2026): 31 goals, 115 games (10 goals, 3 assists in final season)
- International: Mexico squad for the 2026 World Cup, co-host nation
Official Statements from Clubs
Wolves announced on its website that Jiménez has returned on a two-year deal with an optional third year, emphasizing the club’s intent to “build a squad capable of immediate promotion.” Fulham released a statement confirming the expiration of Jiménez’s contract at the end of June and expressed gratitude for his contributions. Both clubs highlighted the free-transfer nature of the move and its timing relative to the World Cup.
On-the-Ground Fan Reactions
Supporters at Molineux greeted Jiménez’s impending return with chants of “Si Señor” and repeated singing during the club’s final home game of the 2025-26 season. Manager Rob Edwards noted the crowd’s anticipation, describing a “sense of love” from fans that influenced the player’s decision.
Conflicting Reports and Information Gaps
All sources agree on the free-transfer agreement, yet the precise date of the official club announcement remains unclear; some outlets suggest a statement may be issued after Mexico’s World Cup opener. Additionally, Fulham’s fee for Jiménez is cited as €6.4 million, while other reports reference £5.5 million without reconciling the currency conversion, leaving a minor discrepancy in financial details.
Verbatim Quotes
- “‘Since joining us in 2023, Raul Jimenez has been tremendous for Fulham.” — Tony Khan, Fulham Director
- “He’s always done his best for the squad and for the Fulham supporters, we’re grateful for his valuable contributions to the team during his time here.” — Tony Khan, Fulham Director
- “Rob Edwards reacts Speaking about the move, manager Rob Edwards said (via Wolves official): “When I spoke to Raul, he didn’t need any convincing, but I think there’s been a lot of for him to think about with his family as they’ve been living in London, and the kids are still younger, but they’re in school in London, and everything else that goes with it, so there’s going to be a move back up here, and there were other options for him to think about as well, rightly so, because he’s a very good player, but he feels this is the right thing for him.” — Rob Edwards, Wolves Manager
What Lies Ahead for Jiménez and Wolves
Jiménez will join Wolves’ pre-season program after Mexico’s World Cup group-stage matches, with the club targeting promotion back to the Premier League. His experience and familiarity with Molineux are expected to bolster the attacking options alongside fellow free-signing Kieran Trippier. The success of the campaign will be measured by Wolves’ league position at the end of the 2026-27 Championship season.
