Matt Jackson believes bringing legendary Wolves striker Raul Jimenez back to the Black Country ahead of the club’s 150th anniversary will make the 2026/27 season even more special.
Jimenez’s return to the club was driven by executive chairman Nathan Shi, who Jackson insists did everything possible to reunite the Mexican with Molineux despite the club’s relation into the EFL Championship.
And as Jimenez joins Kieran Trippier in beginning the rebuild of the Old Gold squad, Jackson feels the club are sending a strong message about their intentions of bouncing straight back to the Premier League.
On bringing Jimenez home to Molineux
“I’m absolutely delighted to bring Raul back to Wolves, and I think many of our fans will be as well.
“They’ve certainly played their part with the reaction they gave him during the Fulham game recently, and it’s going to be unbelievable to see him back leading the line for us.”
There’s something that the Wolves want you to know… ✍️ pic.twitter.com/YyuEW44Qqc
— Wolves (@Wolves) June 9, 2026
On getting the deal over the line
“People will have seen from his personal statements, those of his family, and everything around him that there was always maybe an intention from their behalf to come back to Wolves one day.
“Raul and his family have so much love for the city and the football club, so I’m really pleased that they’ve made good on their promise.
“I have to give huge credit to Nathan for getting this deal over the line as there were other offers on the table for Raul to take. But Nathan understands how much of a hero Raul is to the supporters, and he was determined to do everything possible to bring him back to Molineux.”
On the quality the Mexican possesses
“Raul is obviously a legend of this football club, but ultimately when you’re looking to sign players, you need quality, and that’s undoubted for what he’s done for the us previously – everybody’s seen that.
“However, this is not just about a legend coming back, it’s the on-pitch quality that we are looking for, and Raul brings that for us in huge amounts, and that is the main priority of this signing.
“But to see him out there at Molineux and scoring in front of the South Bank once again, will just be amazing for everybody.”
From Wolverhampton to Mexico City, he never left our hearts.
— Wolves (@Wolves) June 9, 2026
Welcome home. 🧡🐺🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/rO0dfmVRTv
On adding more experience to the squad
“As we said with the signing of Kieran, we talk about leaders, about talisman and about professionalism. All of these qualities are what is needed to get through what is going to be a challenging Championship season.
“We need people who have been there before and people who are not fazed by what they’re going to face. Raul is going to be at the World Cup over the next month – a World Cup in his home country where he is adored – so hopefully he will lead Mexico brilliantly there and can play his part.
“But then we’re excited for him to come back to us and be that real focal point for the team. That will be amazing.”
On building a strong squad for 2026/27
“Being the 150th anniversary, it’s going to be a very special year for the football club, and our intention is to make it an incredible one. We’ve had a really good early part of this summer and there are still lots of other additions and lots of other changes to make, but we are absolutely delighted with the progress so far.
“I hope now the supporters can see into what our leadership have given us and what we really hope to do. With Raul joining Kieran in signing, and Andre committing his future to the club too, I think it certainly sends a clear message. They’re all very good players, and we all expect them to play an awful lot of football for us.
“Now, our job is to fit a group around them, but when you have people who can dominate the squad and really lead the squad forwards, it’s a great starting point for us.”
