World Cup star released by Premier League club days before tournament opener

Raul Jimenez has been released by Fulham just days before he plays for Mexico in the World Cup.

The experienced striker’s deal is up at the end of June, and he hasn’t been offered a new contract.

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The Cottagers confirmed that the Mexican would be departing this summer in a post on X having not been offered new term.

It means the 35-year-old is seeking a new club ahead of the World Cup starting.

The forward is likely to be involved in some way as Mexico kick off the 2026 edition at home to South Africa on Thursday evening, live on talkSPORT.

Away from the World Cup, Jimenez has been linked with a return to Wolves.

Rob Edwards‘ side are preparing for life in the Championship having finished bottom of the Premier League this season.

They have already agreed a deal to recruit Kieran Trippier on a free, and a return to Molineux for Jimenez would be popular.

In his time with Wolves, he scored 57 goals and grabbed 23 assists in 167 appearances.

And when asked about possibly heading back to Molineux near the end of the year by the Express and Star, he said: “Why not? There is always a possibility. Let’s see.

“It would be nice, more after today, let’s see.”

When pushed whether a move could happen, he said: “I don’t know, maybe. But I don’t know.”

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Mexico World Cup dreams

Jimenez is more than likely to lead the line for Mexico at this World Cup.

He has 45 goals in 126 appearances, making him their third top goalscorer of all time. Meanwhile, he sits ninth on the all-time appearance list.

Jimenez ended the season for Fulham with nine Premier League goals in 35 appearances and scored 31 in his time in west London.

The turnaround from suffering that horrendous skull fracture against Arsenal during the 2020/21 season was quite remarkable.

Emotional reunion

Jimenez is Wolves’ top Premier League goalscorer with 40 strikes.

He was a huge part of the Nuno Espirito Santo side that secured back-to-back seventh-place finishes.

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At the time, Wolves had an exciting team, with the likes of the late Diogo Jota, Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves.

Jimenez scored 13 goals in his first season before 17 in his second.

Then the injury came, and after a long time out, he returned.

Speaking about his time at the club, he said: “I feel that the fans love me.

“When I was here it was really, really good. But even though I am not playing for Wolves anymore, they love me.”