Wolves close in on stunning Raul Jimenez return

Wolves are closing in on a stunning return for fan favourite Raul Jimenez.

According to the Express & Star, club staff have flown to Mexico to finalise the free transfer. Talks are now at an advanced stage, with the deal hoped to be done this week.

The timing is striking. Jimenez is currently with Mexico, preparing to host South Africa in Thursday’s World Cup opener. Wolves staff have travelled to meet him and tie up the agreement around those duties.

Wolves edge closer to stunning Raul Jimenez return

His availability was confirmed on Monday. Fulham announced the 35-year-old would leave at the end of his contract.

That freed Wolves to push ahead, and they look set to beat off rivals, with MLS clubs also keen.

A reunion has felt likely for weeks. After Wolves drew 1-1 with Fulham in May, Jimenez opened the door to a comeback.

“Why not? There is always a possibility,” he told the Express & Star at the time. “It would be nice, more after today, let’s see.” The paper revealed early talks had begun, and those have since advanced.

Liam Keen’s video update as Wolves make early summer transfer moves https://t.co/nqbIrKFa8q

— ESWolves_Star (@ESWolves_star) June 9, 2026

The nostalgia is easy to grasp. Jimenez was a talisman during his first spell from 2018 to 2023. He scored 57 goals in 166 appearances and remains Wolves’ record Premier League scorer with 40 league goals.

He helped the then Nuno Espirito Santo’s side to back-to-back seventh-place finishes and a Europa League quarter-final.

His Molineux story also carried real adversity. In November 2020 he fractured his skull in a sickening clash with David Luiz.

He returned wearing a protective headguard and rediscovered his form. He later scored 31 goals in 115 games for Fulham.

Now he appears poised for an emotional homecoming. For a rebuilding Wolves side, his experience and standing could prove invaluable in the Championship.