The Old Gold might not boast the deep pockets of other teams but some exciting arrivals could be welcomed this summer.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers supporters are plagued by an almost unfathomable concern.
The worry that these teams, who have emerged from the Championship to experience the spotlight and safety of the Premier League, would all too quickly find themselves at the center of attention.
For a club in Wolves’ situation, relegation is an inevitable consequence.
In fact, with Julen Lopetegui’s decision to finish the season on the eve of 2023–24, the Molineux team seemed to be perched on the veritable abyss.
Although key players left in droves, Gary O’Neil has earned praise for his ability to instill his philosophy and lead Wolves to a comfortable top-flight finish.
However, the season fizzled out, and there is a growing worry that if action is not taken in the upcoming months, the team may find itself dragged toward the division’s basement.
However, let’s take a brief break from the gloom. Despite not being the wealthiest team in the country, Wolves own a talented roster, therefore O’Neil shouldn’t be concerned about the PSR problems that some of his divisional rivals are currently facing.
Premier League winners Manchester City are interested in the £60 million-rated Pedro Neto, but Wolves might wisely use the money they have recovered to make a number of significant acquisitions. Let’s examine who could be invited in.
1 GK – Caoimhin Kelleher
Jose Sa has been headhunted by Saudi Pro League sides this season and he didn’t enjoy his finest year clad in Old Gold, making five direct errors, three proving fatal.
It might be time to let him leave and claim some much-needed funds to invest in the signing of Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher, who wants to quit his second-choice post at Anfield and join a Premier League rival, with Wolves willing to meet the Merseysiders’ £20m asking price.
He’s a fine goalkeeper, instrumental in winning the Carabao Cup this year and even dubbed “world-class” by Virgil van Dijk.
2 CB – Max Kilman
Max Kilman is being pursued by Lopetegui-headed West Ham United this summer but O’Neil will recognise the damage that could be inflicted in allowing the centre-half to leave.
He played every minute of the Wanderers’ Premier League campaign and captained his side for 37 of the 38 fixtures.
3 CB – Craig Dawson
It is no accident that Craig Dawson’s injury absence and Wolves’ miserable end to the season—winning just one in 10 Premier League games—occurred at the same time. He is 34 years old and is such a great defender—crisp in the tackle, calm and in control.
Steve Madeley of The Athletic recently described him as “the linchpin of their [Wolves’] defense.” Next season, he’ll be essential in batting away danger once more.
4 CB – Toti Gomes
Toti Gomes is an athletic defender with a sharp and effective contrast to his positional peers. Signed for just £900k in 2020, Wolves have well and truly hit the jackpot with the signing of this underrated colossus.
5 RWB – Nelson Semedo
Nelson Semedo, 30, has just one year left on his current deal and is believed to be one of the most likely high-profile stars to be sold this summer, but if Wolves navigate the window to their liking he will probably still be on the books.
Picked as the Players’ Player of the Season, it might just be that there is more value in keeping the stalwart for one more year.
6 CM – Joao Gomes
Signed from Brazilian club Flamengo for a £15m fee in January 2023, Joao Gomes is an aggressive and all-action midfielder and he’s the veritable lifeforce of O’Neil’s engine room.
Incredibly, the 23-year-old averaged 3.8 tackles, won 6.2 duels and recovered 5.4 balls per game in the Premier League, as per Sofascore.
Other clubs can sniff around all they like but selling him would be ludicrous.
7 CM – Mario Lemina
Linked with a move away, Mario Lemina allayed fears of an exit in a recent interview with his outfit, saying: “We’ve got such an amazing group.
The lads are really good, with good hearts and they showed the togetherness. Even the fans were with me during this tough period.
“I’m really happy to be here and I hope I’m going to stay here for a long time, and I’ll try to give my best so Wolves can be the best Wolves team we can be.”
He’s been a force this season and a regular feature. Lemina will prove to be a real asset once again next season.
8 LWB – Francisco Moura
Unfortunately, Neto may not be the only mainstay to be sold this summer, with Rayan Ait-Nouri being courted by prominent teams such as Manchester United. If his £40m price tag is met, he may well be allowed to leave.
However, as per GiveMeSport, sporting director Matt Hobbs has already made contact with Portuguese outfit Famalicao for the signing of 24-year-old left-back Francisco Moura, who could be signed for just £8.5m.
The Braga-born wide defender averaged 2.3 key passes per game in Liga Portugal this year, with creative confidence that will serve him well if he does head toward English shores.
9 RF – Jonathan Rowe
So then, Neto’s probably off. So long, Portuguese phenom, thanks for the assists. It’s going to be a poignant day; Neto’s one of the highest-quality Wolves stars in a generation.
However, if Fosun succeeds in securing a replacement like Jonathan Rowe, there’s every chance that the exit will not prove to be damaging.
The Norwich City winger, 21, is being targetted by Wolves – according to GiveMeSport – and arguably offers the technical skill to rival Neto’s, should he continue his trajectory over the coming years.
Hailed as “unstoppable” by reporter Chris Reeve, the £25m-rated whiz could be a real star in the West Midlands.
10 LF – Matheus Cunha
Manchester United are hoping that Molineux will entertain offers for Matheus Cunha this summer but if Neto is to be sold (and Ait-Nouri, for that matter) it’s unlikely that another integral cog would be taken away, sure to send the system in a spin.
As per FBref, Cunha ranks among the top 14% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 10% for pass completion, the top 12% for progressive passes, the top 5% for progressive carries, the top 3% for successful take-ons and the top 17% for tackles per 90.
Oh, and he scored 14 goals this term. Wolves must ensure this wonderful, vibrant forward stays put.
11 CF – Eddie Nketiah
Eddie Nketiah wants to stay at Arsenal but he’s decidedly lacking in opportunities under Mikel Arteta, and with a concerted effort being made for Benjamin Sesko in a £55m deal, it doesn’t look like things are going to improve for the Englishman.
Luckily, Wolves are willing to bid for the 25-year-old this summer, according to sources via The Yorkshire Post, who is valued at £30m and scored a fine hat-trick against Sheffield United near the start of the campaign.
Lest we forget, O’Neil also boasts a top-class striker in Hwang Hee-chan, who outscored all but Cunha this season as he posted 13 strikes from 31 matches, though he finished with a higher goal-per-minute rate – perhaps there’s going to be some pleasing depth next year after all.
Wolves’ starting line-up under Gary O’Neil in full: (GK) Caoimhin Kelleher; (CB) Max Kilman, (CB) Craig Dawson, (CB) Tote Gomes; (RWB) Nelson Semedo, (CM) Joao Gomes, (CM) Mario Lemina, (LWB) Francisco Moura; (RF) Jonathan Rowe, (LF) Matheus Cunha; (CF) Eddie Nketiah
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