Munetsi becomes most expensive Zimbabwean footballer after Wolves pay £16m

WOLVERHAMPTON – Marshall Munetsi became the most expensive Zimbabwean football player of all time after English Premier League (EPL) side Wolverhampton Wanderers paid around £16m to prise him away from French Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims.

Zimbabwe Warriors captain Marvelous Nakamba signed for Aston Villa from Club Bruges in 2019 for £11m. French giants Olympique Lyon paid £10m for Tino Kadewere from Le Havre while Manchester City paid a total of £7.6m for Benjani Mwaruwari to get him from Portsmouth.

Meanwhile Munetsi signed a three-and-half year deal with an option to extend by 12 months.

Wolves announced the deadline deal on Monday, with club Chairman Jeff Shi saying “our staff travelled to France to ensure this deal was done on deadline day, as it was important for the club.”

“Wolves have made Marshall Munetsi their second deadline day signing, bringing in the midfielder from Reims on a three-and-a-half-year deal,” the club wrote.

Added Shi: “…and we’re pleased to bring an experienced player into the group at an important time of the season.

“We’re excited to have Marshall on board, and I hope he can help us achieve our aims. He’ll have the full support of all of us at Compton Park and I hope he will have a long and successful time as part of the Wolves family.”

The club’s sporting director Matt Hobbs also highlighted that: “It was important for us that Vitor has a number of options in each position and Marshall is a well-rounded midfielder who is physically up for the challenge of the Premier League.

“Marshall’s played with Agba, who has settled quickly into the group, and now he’ll have the support of everyone here at the club. He’ll be another option for Vitor and we’re looking forward to having him as part of the club.”

Munetsi who was signed for close to £20 million, is capable of playing in a number of midfield roles including anchorman.