Wolves have agreed a two-year deal to re-sign striker Raul Jimenez on a free transfer from Fulham, the club announced after the 35-year-old completed a medical at Molineux.
The move brings the Mexico international back to the club where he scored 57 goals in 166 appearances between 2018 and 2023, following an initial transfer from Benfica. Jimenez becomes Wolves' second free signing of the summer, joining former England full-back Kieran Trippier, also 35, who committed to a two-year deal after leaving Newcastle.
“Wolves re-sign striker Raul Jimenez on a free transfer from Fulham, two-year deal plus option, as they prepare for Championship.”
The deal was struck while Jimenez is on international duty with Mexico, who co-host the World Cup and begin their tournament against South Africa on Thursday.
Wolves are rebuilding after finishing bottom of the Premier League last season, meaning they will compete in the Championship for the first time since 2017–18. The club's need for experience and firepower in the second tier prompted the return of a familiar face.
Jimenez was listed by Fulham on Monday among a group of players set to leave the Premier League club when his contract expires at the end of June. He scored 28 goals in 98 Premier League appearances for Fulham during his three seasons at Craven Cottage.
The striker's previous spell at Wolves included a memorable run to the Europa League quarter-finals, but his time at the club was also marked by a serious head injury sustained in 2020 that sidelined him for nearly a year. He recovered to play for Mexico in the 2022 World Cup and continued his career with Fulham.
Now, at 35, Jimenez returns to a club in transition, tasked with helping to lead a squad that includes Trippier and a mixture of younger players and others who survived relegation. The two-year deal includes an option for a further year.
Jimenez's arrival comes as Wolves look to bounce back immediately under new management, with the Championship campaign set to begin in August. His experience, particularly in the second tier where he played for Benfica's B team and on loan at Atlético Madrid, will be valuable.
Trippier, meanwhile, brings Premier League and international pedigree with 54 England caps, including runs to the Euro 2020 final and World Cup semi-final, as well as Champions League experience from his time at Atlético Madrid and Newcastle.
Wolves' first major move of the summer was to secure Trippier's signature; Jimenez's follows swiftly, giving the squad a twin boost of attacking and defensive leadership. The club's supporters, who witnessed the team's slide from mid-table to relegation, will hope the duo can spark a revival.