The most romantic signing of the summer came early. Raul Jimenez is back at Wolves at 35, and for supporters, they are revisiting a chapter of their own lives. For a generation, Jimenez is the Wolves No 9 — the striker who arrived as promotion became Europe. Now he returns with Wolves at a low ebb, but this second coming has rejuvenated the club.

The evidence is overwhelming. Since signing, each of the club's top 10 most engaged social media posts have been about Jimenez. Jimenez shirts are everywhere, outselling last year's most popular player by 250 per cent. You probably need to go back to Steve Bull to find a figure so beloved.

None of which should surprise. Jimenez's 40 Premier League goals are more than anyone else in the Premier League era. His 27 goals in 2019/20 topped the club since John Richards in 1973. He is the club's all-time top scorer in European competition — memories from Crusaders, Pyunik Yerevan, Torino, Slovan Bratislava, and Braga still sung about.

The fractured skull against David Luiz and Arsenal in 2020 solidified the bond. Jimenez and his family, including wife Daniela, have been open about the support meaning everything. His first exit under Julen Lopetegui never felt satisfactory; this corrects that.

Can he still deliver? Bookmakers make him favourite for Championship top scorer. With a 100 per cent Premier League penalty record, 20 goals seems likely if fit. Under new coach Cesar Peixoto, success isn't guaranteed. But as with Bull, who spent 10 years in the second tier garnishing his legend, the point is emotional. Wolves have their No 9 back.