Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Dan Bentley has signed a new three-year contract with an option for a further year.
The 29-year-old, who was a transfer target for Arsenal in the summer, has made 10 appearances for Wolves, including seven in the Premier League, since joining in January 2023 from Bristol City.
His contract was due to expire at the end of this season, although Wolves did have an option to extend his stay by a further two years.
They have chosen instead to reward him with a new deal despite him dropping down the pecking order in recent weeks following the arrival of Sam Johnstone from Crystal Palace.
Former No 1 Jose Sa was named as a substitute for the 2-1 defeat to Newcastle at the weekend with Bentley missing out on a place on the bench.
The former Arsenal trainee, who was wanted by the North London club in the summer to be their No.3 goalkeeper, is a valued member of the Wolves dressing room,
Sporting director Matt Hobbs said: “Everyone is aware of the interest for Dan in the summer, but he has always wanted to stay here.
“There was going to be an inevitability behind this deal even before the interest came, but we just felt it was the right thing for us to do – to show him we have the same faith in him as another club would.
“It’s a new deal for him, and with it, he and his family know that they’re settled for the future and he knows he’s appreciated by the football club because he plays an important role for us, both on and off the pitch.
“He is one of those characters you can rely on and has a huge amount of league experience. Obviously, he’s not as experienced in the Premier League, but he’s able to step in and produce when he’s called upon. That mentality he offers is really important.
“From what Gary wants from our players and driving the culture in the dressing room, Dan is a big part of that. It’s not just the staff but all the lads feel really supported by him.
“When someone has come in and done well for us, trains well, fits in really well, is a leader off the pitch, is great for the culture and for standards inside the dressing room, and – crucially – is homegrown, then it’s a decision we were always going to make.”
Wolves face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday before playing Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.
(Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images)
