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Zimbabwe's Munetsi joins Wolverhampton Wanderers
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Zimbabwean midfielder Marshall Munetsi has set a new benchmark for local players abroad after his record-breaking €20 million move to English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers, making him the most expensive Zimbabwean footballer of all time.
The transfer eclipses the previous record held by Tino Kadewere, whose €15 million move from French Ligue 1 side Lyon to the club in 2020 had previously set the bar for Zimbabwean players abroad. Marvelous Nakamba, another prominent Zimbabwean player, also made a significant move to Aston Villa for around €12 million from Belgian side Club Brugge.
Munetsi's transfer marks a dramatic rise in his value, with the 28-year-old midfielder being worth just €5 million on football website Transfermarkt two years ago. His latest move represents a significant turnaround for the Zimbabwean, who has been one of the standout players for French club Stade de Reims over the past few seasons.
The move reunites Munetsi with former Reims teammate Emmanuel Agbadou, who also joined Wolves for a similar €20 million fee. Munetsi's arrival is expected to strengthen the midfield of Wolves, who have struggled in the current Premier League campaign.
"It's a huge opportunity for me, and I'm excited to be joining a Premier League club with a rich history," said Munetsi. "I'm looking forward to contributing to the team and working with the coaching staff to achieve our goals."
Wolverhampton Wanderers have been working to improve their squad after a difficult start to the season. Munetsi, known for his tough tackling, leadership, and versatility in midfield and defense, has been highlighted as an ideal replacement for Mario Lemina, who is set to move to Turkish giants Galatasaray in a €2.5 million deal.
Munetsi's rise to prominence in European football has been remarkable. After arriving at Stade de Reims from South African side Orlando Pirates in 2019, Munetsi quickly became a key player for the French club. This season, he has made 21 appearances, showcasing his ability to perform consistently both in midfield and defense. According to FBref, Munetsi ranks among the top six percent of midfielders in Europe for his aerial duels, drawing comparisons to Premier League stars like Tomas Soucek, Joelinton, and Mikel Merino.
Before his move to Europe, Munetsi started his career at the Ali Sundowns Academy in Mabvuku, Harare, before joining the now-defunct Blue Rangers and then moving to South African side FC Cape Town in 2015. His breakthrough came in 2016 when he signed for Orlando Pirates, where he was later loaned to Baroka before his eventual move to Reims.
Munetsi's transfer not only signifies a milestone in his career but also highlights the growing presence of Zimbabwean footballers in top European leagues, with other Warriors such as Tawanda Chirewa and Leon Chiwome also making their mark at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
As Munetsi begins his journey in the Premier League, Zimbabwe's football fans will be watching eagerly as he looks to make a significant impact in one of the world's most competitive leagues.
The transfer eclipses the previous record held by Tino Kadewere, whose €15 million move from French Ligue 1 side Lyon to the club in 2020 had previously set the bar for Zimbabwean players abroad. Marvelous Nakamba, another prominent Zimbabwean player, also made a significant move to Aston Villa for around €12 million from Belgian side Club Brugge.
Munetsi's transfer marks a dramatic rise in his value, with the 28-year-old midfielder being worth just €5 million on football website Transfermarkt two years ago. His latest move represents a significant turnaround for the Zimbabwean, who has been one of the standout players for French club Stade de Reims over the past few seasons.
The move reunites Munetsi with former Reims teammate Emmanuel Agbadou, who also joined Wolves for a similar €20 million fee. Munetsi's arrival is expected to strengthen the midfield of Wolves, who have struggled in the current Premier League campaign.
"It's a huge opportunity for me, and I'm excited to be joining a Premier League club with a rich history," said Munetsi. "I'm looking forward to contributing to the team and working with the coaching staff to achieve our goals."
Wolverhampton Wanderers have been working to improve their squad after a difficult start to the season. Munetsi, known for his tough tackling, leadership, and versatility in midfield and defense, has been highlighted as an ideal replacement for Mario Lemina, who is set to move to Turkish giants Galatasaray in a €2.5 million deal.
Munetsi's rise to prominence in European football has been remarkable. After arriving at Stade de Reims from South African side Orlando Pirates in 2019, Munetsi quickly became a key player for the French club. This season, he has made 21 appearances, showcasing his ability to perform consistently both in midfield and defense. According to FBref, Munetsi ranks among the top six percent of midfielders in Europe for his aerial duels, drawing comparisons to Premier League stars like Tomas Soucek, Joelinton, and Mikel Merino.
Before his move to Europe, Munetsi started his career at the Ali Sundowns Academy in Mabvuku, Harare, before joining the now-defunct Blue Rangers and then moving to South African side FC Cape Town in 2015. His breakthrough came in 2016 when he signed for Orlando Pirates, where he was later loaned to Baroka before his eventual move to Reims.
Munetsi's transfer not only signifies a milestone in his career but also highlights the growing presence of Zimbabwean footballers in top European leagues, with other Warriors such as Tawanda Chirewa and Leon Chiwome also making their mark at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
As Munetsi begins his journey in the Premier League, Zimbabwe's football fans will be watching eagerly as he looks to make a significant impact in one of the world's most competitive leagues.
Source - the chronicle
