‘I want to stay here’ – Bonatini keen on permanent Wolves stay

(Photo: Action Images via Reuters)

By Alex Beard

Loan star Leo Bonatini has been one of the mainstays of Wolves’ terrific start to the season under Nuno Espirito Santo – and the Brazilian doesn’t much fancy a return to his parent club.

The 23-year-old arrived at Molineux from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in the summer on a loan deal until the end of the season.

And he’s emerged as a key part of Santo’s Wolves revolution, scoring four goals and laying on another four for his team-mates.

Alongside the likes of Diogo Jota and Ivan Cavaleiro, he has formed one of the deadliest and most fluid attacks in the Championship – and he doesn’t want the fun to stop any time soon.

“I do not want to move back to Hilal,” he told Sky Sports, “I want to stay here.

“For sure, I want to stay and play for Wolves next season in the Premier League and then to stay in the Premier League. That is what we are all doing here, that is our target.”

Bonatini also spoke about his adaptation to English football: “It is a different game – here it is so fast. The pitches are different because of the weather, in Saudi Arabia it is very hot and the pitches are slower.

“Here they kick more, they press more and they don’t let us play. It is different, not every contact is a foul. They let the game flow which is nice, and it is as if the fans are playing with us – we feel it.”

Bonatini and the rest of the Wolves boys will be attempting to continue their promotion push on Saturday when they take on rivals Aston Villa in a huge clash at Molineux.