The Premier League fixtures have been released ahead of the 2025/26 season, and Wolves will come up against Manchester City in their opening match.
It was written in the stars for Wolves to come up against at least one former player on the opening day, and on this occasion, it’s two.
Rayan Ait-Nouri left Wolves earlier in June for Man City, while the much-maligned Matheus Nunes was booed previously by supporters after exiting Molineux in acrimonious circumstances.
By the time Vitor Pereira’s men travel to the Etihad Stadium, he could name a completely different lineup to the one that drew against Brentford on the final day.
Wolves have agreed to sign Fer Lopez for £19.5 million, who is set to become their first signing of the summer, while Pereira has plenty of other names on his radar.
Fer Lopez reacts for Celta Vigo.
Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images
Fer Lopez to make his Wolves debut against Manchester City
After capturing Lopez, it is felt the Portuguese wants a new right wing-back, left wing-back, attacking midfielder and striker to challenge Jorgen Strand Larsen.
In defence, Yerson Mosquera is returning from injury, and although a loan has been talked up, he is a ready-made replacement for Matt Doherty.
Mosquera can form a potentially incredible partnership alongside Emmanuel Agbadou and Toti Gomes, who could have some competition in the left centre-back role.
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With Nelson Semedo set to leave Wolves once his contract expires, Molineux News revealed that City veteran Kyle Walker is an option at wing-back.
As for the opposite flank, Wolves have been linked with Barcelona’s Gerard Martin to replace Ait-Nouri, though the returning Hugo Bueno is expected to be given a chance.
Further forward, the Old Gold have eyed Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss, who is also attracting interest from Arsenal, while Harvey Elliott is someone they’ve looked at.
As it stands, Lopez has an opportunity to start the opening game against Manchester City with competition from the likes of Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Marshall Munetsi for the number 10 role.
So, with that said, here’s how Wolves could line up in their season opener against Man City.
Lineup builder
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The most important positions Wolves can address
Outsiders looking in and even Wolves fans are worried that Fosun won’t replace Ait-Nouri’s and Cunha’s deadly output.
After producing 32 goal involvements between them, their departures have left a huge void that needs filling, as it’s difficult to see where the goals are coming from outside of Strand Larsen.
So, that emphasises the importance of signing a wing-back, perhaps Gerard Martin, but also a goal-scoring number 10.
Successfully signing players of real quality for those positions will give Wolves hope but as it stands, it doesn’t look like Fosun will spend loads of money.
Wolves look set to miss out on Evan Guessand to Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbache, and he could have been the perfect Cunha replacement.