For the Scottish footballer, see Nathan James Fraser. For the English professional wrestler, see Nathan Frazer.
Nathan Fraser
Full nameNathan John Mark Fraser
Birth placeWolverhampton, England
Birth date22 February 2005 (age 21)
PositionStriker
CurrentclubWolverhampton Wanderers
Clubnumber63
Youthyears 12011–2012
Youthclubs 1Trysull Tigers
Youthyears 22012–2024
Youthclubs 2Wolverhampton Wanderers
Years 12024–
Clubs 1Wolverhampton Wanderers
Caps 17
Goals 10
Years 22024
Clubs 2→ Zulte Waregem (loan)
Caps 24
Goals 20
Nationalyears 12022
Nationalteam 1Republic of Ireland U19
Nationalcaps 14
Nationalgoals 11
Club-update23:57, 02 January 2025 (UTC)

Nathan John Mark Fraser (born 22 February 2005) is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers. Born in England, he is a Republic of Ireland youth international.[1]

Early life

From Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, Fraser started at the Wolves academy when he was seven years-old.[2][3]

Club career

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Fraser signed his first professional contract with Wolves in February 2022[4] and began training with the Wolves first team squad during the 2022–23 season.[5] He made the Wolves first-team squad for the first time for a Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion, as an unused substitute, on 5 November 2022.[6] He featured for Wolves in the EFL Trophy, impressing against Manchester United on 22 November 2022, even though Wolves ultimately lost the game on penalties.[7]

In June 2023, he signed a new contract with the club keeping him at Molineux until 2025.[8] He made his professional debut on 29 August 2023 in the second round of the EFL Cup at home against Blackpool, scoring the final goal in a 5-0 win.[9]

Fraser scored his first FA Cup goal within three minutes of his competition debut as a second-half substitute in a 3–2 Third Round replay victory over Brentford at Molineux on 16 January 2024.[10]

Fraser made his Premier League debut as a late substitute in a 4–3 home loss to Manchester United on 1 February 2024[11] and made his first appearance as a starter in the Premier League in a 2–1 home win against Fulham on 9 March 2024.[12]

Loan to Zulte Waregem

On 19 August 2024, Fraser joined Challenger Pro League side Zulte Waregem on a season-long loan for the 2024–25 season.[13] He made his league debut in a 2-2 draw against Deinze as an 80th-minute substitute for Jeppe Erenbjerg in Zulte Waregem's first away game of the 2024-25 season on 25 August 2024.[14] After making just 4 substitute appearances in the league, Fraser returned to Wolves early. [15]

International career

Fraser received his first call up to the Republic of Ireland U19 side in May 2022.[16] He made a goalscoring debut for the Ireland under-19 team on the 22 November 2022, in a 6-0 win over Gibraltar U-19.[17][18] In the spring of 2024 he reportedly turned down call-ups from the Republic of Ireland U21 side in favour of rest.[19]

Style of play

Fraser has been described as a strong and physical centre-forward.[20] Playing in the Premier League 2 during the 2022-23 season he scored seven goals and they were split evenly between his right foot (two), left foot (two) and head (three).[21]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueFA CupEFL CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Wolverhampton Wanderers2023–24[22]Premier League702121—112
Zulte Waregem2024–25[1]Challenger Pro League401000—50
Career total110312100162

References

  1. ^ "Nathan Fraser". Soccerway. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  2. ^ Procter, Tom. "Nathan Fraser signs first professional deal with Wolves". Molineux.News. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  3. ^ Spiers, Tim (9 March 2023). "How Wolves are setting good foundations for the future". The Athletic. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  4. ^ "Fraser signs first professional contract". Wolves.co.uk. 28 February 2022. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  5. ^ Dicken, Alan (28 November 2022). "Nathan Fraser among Wolves young guns called up by Julen Lopetegui". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  6. ^ "WOLVES VS. BRIGHTON 2-3". Soccerway. 5 November 2022. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  7. ^ Dicken, Alex (22 November 2022). "Wolves U21 player ratings vs Man Utd: Nathan Fraser impresses despite penalty heartbreak". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  8. ^ Vegas, Paul. "Wolves striker Nathan Fraser pens new dea". Tribal Football. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  9. ^ "Wolverhampton Wanderers 5–0 Blackpool: Matt Doherty scores twice as hosts progress". BBC Sport. 29 August 2023.
  10. ^ Stone, Simon (16 January 2024). "Wolverhampton Wanderers 3–2 Brentford: Wolves set up FA Cup tie with West Brom". BBC Sport
  11. ^ Smith, Emma (1 February 2024). "Wolverhampton Wanderers 3–4 Manchester United: Kobbie Mainoo scores 97th-minute winner in thriller". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  12. ^ Drury, Sam (9 March 2024). "Wolves 2–1 Fulham: Hosts overcome injuries to keep alive hopes of Europe". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  13. ^ "Fraser secures loan move". Wolves Academy. 19 August 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  14. ^ "Matchday 2 S2 425 - KMSK Deinze - SV Zulte Waregem (2-2)". YouTube. 25 August 2024. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
  15. ^ "Club decide they don't want Wolves loanee, they've sent him back to Gary O'Neil". Molineux News. 13 December 2024. Retrieved 2 January 2025.
  16. ^ "Five new faces in Ireland squad for friendlies against Iceland in Spain". the42.ie. May 30, 2022. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  17. ^ "REP OF IRELAND U19 VS. GIBRALTAR U19 6-0". Soccerway. 22 September 2022. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  18. ^ "Late goals book Republic of Ireland Under 19s place in Euros elite qualifying phase". RTE. 24 September 2022. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  19. ^ Fenton, James (30 May 2024). "Hugely Talented Wolves Striker Rejects Ireland U21 Call-Up". balls.ie. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  20. ^ Dicken, Alex (23 November 2022). "Wolves have already found their long-term Diego Costa replacement". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  21. ^ Tudball, Rosie (9 May 2023). "Wolves: Lopetegui could have Jimenez heir in Nathan Fraser". Footballfancast.com. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  22. ^
  • Profile at the Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. website