---
title: "Wolves: Craig Dawson was a ‘really smart signing’"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/craig-dawson-latest-transfer-reaction-updates/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Chloe Chadwick"
section: "Follow up"
published: "2023-02-09T20:35:08Z"
modified: "2023-02-09T20:35:08Z"
---

# Wolves: Craig Dawson was a ‘really smart signing’

**[Wolverhampton Wanderers](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wolves-news/) made a ‘really smart signing’ bringing in defender Craig Dawson in January, according to transfer insider [Dean Jones](https://twitter.com/deanjonessoccer?lang=en).**

### The Lowdown: Second time lucky

The Molineux outfit confirmed the arrival of the 32-year-old veteran from [Premier League](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-news/) rivals West Ham United last month as he put pen to paper on a [two-and-a-half-year](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12792620/craig-dawson-wolves-complete-signing-of-defender-from-west-ham) contract.

The Midlands-based side tried to land the centre-back last summer after it was [revealed](https://theathletic.com/3651789/2022/10/05/craig-dawson-west-ham/) that he wanted to be nearer to his family, but the deal was [called off](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11170217/Craig-Dawson-STAY-West-Ham-season-despite-5million-deal-agreed-Wolves.html) by the Irons due to them missing out on Southampton’s Jan Bednarek.

[Julen Lopetegui](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tag/julen-lopetegui/), however, has now successfully managed to secure the club’s target and, he’s already made an instant impact having [scored](https://www.flashscore.co.uk/match/OfFY5nnd/#/match-summary/match-summary) on his debut in the 3-0 victory over Liverpool last weekend.

### The Latest: Jones’ praise

Speaking to [GiveMeSport](https://www.givemesport.com/88112922-wolves-craig-dawson-premier-league-transfer-west-ham-molineux), Jones heaped praise on Wolves for landing Dawson on their second attempt, claiming that the deal had been in the pipeline for an extended period. He said:

*“It’s a really smart signing and one I’m really pleased for him about; it’s been a long time on the cards.*

*“There had been a lot of talk around the transfer and West Ham didn’t want him to go but understood that there were personal reasons he might want to go.”*

\[freshpress-quiz id=”419108″\]

### The Verdict: Instant impact

Dawson has been [dubbed](https://twitter.com/buntingfootball/status/1514765225320452099?s=46&t=T3K41BjV-ft3_Z0xMYxtzw) a ‘leader’ by journalist [Josh Bunting](https://twitter.com/Buntingfootball), and after just [one](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/craig-dawson/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/121477) outing, it’s easy to see how he’s going to strengthen the backline at Wolves.

During his debut, the 6 foot 2 star made an astonishing seven clearances and came out on top in two aerial duels, which majorly contributed to his new side keeping a clean sheet against Jurgen Klopp’s men ([WhoScored](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/73063/History/Craig-Dawson)).

The Rochdale-born talent, who’s [represented](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/craig-dawson/profil/spieler/121477) by Unique Sports Group, also has an eye for goal having posted [69](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/craig-dawson/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/121477) contributions throughout his career, making him an impact player at both ends of the pitch.

Dawson will be a key man when it comes to steering the Wanderers away from danger, and the chances of the club avoiding relegation will now be much higher with his know-how at the heart of the defence.

\[freshpress-poll id=”423893″\]