Raúl Jiménez formalized his return to Wolverhampton Wanderers, signing on a free transfer, in a move that comes on the eve of the 2026 World Cup, where he will have to lead Mexico's attack as the host country.
The 35-year-old forward represented Wolves between 2018 and 2023, during which time he became the club's top scorer in the Premier League, with 40 goals in 135 league games. He was a key player in consecutive seventh-place finishes in 2018/19 and 2019/20, campaigns in which he scored 13 and 17 goals, respectively. In November 2020, he suffered a fractured skull against Arsenal, then returned for two more seasons at Molineux before moving to Fulham, where he scored 28 Premier League goals in three seasons at Craven Cottage.
Back at Molineux, Jiménez now wants to help Wolverhampton return to the Premier League immediately, after relegation to the Championship at the end of 2025/26. The Mexican signed a two-year contract, with the option to extend it for another year.
“He was part of the club's best recent period and played a huge role in that,” highlighted coach Rob Edwards, on Wolves' official website. "We know what he means to the club and the fans, but this is not a signing made out of emotion. We truly believe he is the right man to help us achieve our goals, so we are delighted to have him back."
Wolverhampton marked their return with a welcome message on social media. Jiménez is the second signing of the summer, after Kieran Trippier also arrived on a free transfer following his departure from Newcastle United.
With the countdown to the World Cup, Jiménez is preparing for Mexico's opening game against South Africa, on Thursday. El Tri will host the tournament for the third time in history and arrives with an unbeaten record in the last seven opening games in the World Cup (five wins and two draws). The last defeat in a start dates back to 1994, against Norway.