Santiago Bueno has become Wolves’ second signing of the week, joining in a permanent move from Spanish side Girona, subject to international clearance and work permit.
Following fellow South American Enso Gonzalez through the Compton Park doors, the Uruguay international, who has signed a five-year-deal, arrives on the back of three consistent seasons in Spain and adds a new dimension to Gary O’Neil’s defensive options.
Six foot four inches in frame, Bueno brings both a solid defensive game and confidence on the ball to the right side of Wolves’ centre back department, as well as experience on the international stage earlier this year.
Santiago signs ✍️ pic.twitter.com/BGjEd378AW
— Wolves (@Wolves) August 31, 2023
Taken from his home nation by Barcelona in 2017, the defender developed at Camp Nou, before opting to progress his career in senior football with Girona, where he moved permanently in 2019.
It was at Girona where Bueno combined his South America grit and determination with defending fitting for La Liga, where he was promoted to with Girona in last summer, via the second tier play-offs.
Chipping in with four goals and five assist while at Girona, the 24-year-old made a seamless transition to top tier, helping his side to a top half finish, clean sheet at former club Barcelona and victory over Real Madrid last term.
Admired by Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa, the former Leeds United manager has integrated the defender into his senior team and handed Bueno his first and second international caps earlier this year.
Sporting director Matt Hobbs said: “Santiago’s personality is one we look for in a player, driven, hungry, hardworking and humble, but with a bit of an edge and can play. He’s a perfect fit for what we’ve been looking for.
“He’s six foot four inches and aggressive, as you’d expect from a Uruguayan centre back, but he can play too and gives us a good balance. I’ve spoken previously about units and with the back four, he’s the perfect complement for that.”
