Vitor Pereira, manager of Wolves.placeholder image
Vitor Pereira, manager of Wolves. | Wolves via Getty Images
Wolves could still have some major transfer business in the works this summer
Wolverhampton Wanderers needed an incredible spring turnaround to avoid a relegation battle going the distance last season and Vitor Pereira now has his first summer in charge of the club to ensure something similar does not happen next campaign.
An important transfer window took a rough start when two of the club’s star players departed for Manchester, as Matheus Cunha signed for United in a club-record £62.5m sale for Wolves, while Rayan Ait-Nouri went to join up with Pep Guardiola on the blue half of the city in a deal worth around £31m.
Wanderers, therefore, have money to spend as they look to replace their two departed stars and make further improvements on the squad. With several transfer rumours floating around the club, what could their dream XI look like next season? We had a look at how Pereira hopes to line up in 2025/26 if rumours are true.
Goalkeeper and defence
Pereira is likely to stick by the 3-4-2-1 formation which served Wolves so well after his arrival last season, with two wing-backs bombing up and down the flank in front of three centre-halves at the back. For the purpose of this, we are going to consider the wing-backs as defenders rather than midfielders.
Jose Sa looks set to continue in goal for Wolves after a strong four years in the Premier League. The 32-year-old Portuguese international has the likes of Sam Johnstone and Dan Bentley behind him as back-up in a strong goalkeeping department, though a new No.2 may need bringing in if rumours linking Johnstone with an exit materialise.
At the back, Pereira brought in Emmanuel Agbadou as his first signing in January and the Ivorian shone alongside the likes of Toti and Matt Docherty in a back three. Wolves will likely start with Agbadou and Toti and may target a new signing to fill the third centre-back slot. Rennes defender Christopher Wooh has been linked in a €5m deal and could provide a smart purchase, with Docherty and Santiago Bueno as rotation options.
The right-wing back slot could be one of issue next season. Club captain Nelson Semedo has departed following the end of his contract, despite a new four-year deal being on the table. A decision has yet to be made about whether Semedo will remain at the club or officially say his goodbyes. Jackson Tchatchoua of Hellas Verona is a potential target if Semedo leaves, but as this is a dream XI we are going to assume Semedo does sign a new contract.
Despite the departure of Ait-Nouri, there are surprisingly few rumours linking Wanderers with a new left-back. This may suggest that Pereira is considering giving a chance to Hugo Bueno, who impressed on loan at Feyenoord last season and played nine times in the Champions League. At just 22 years old, Bueno is a year more experienced and may be ready to start in the Premier League.
Big-name signing in midfield department?
With two full Brazilian international midfielders in their ranks, Wolves look pretty strong in the midfield department. Joao Gomes stood out last season and was voted as Player of the Season by fans, becoming a key player in Pereira’s system and, possibly, now their most valuable player after the sales of Cunha and Ait-Nouri. Alongside Gomes is 23-year-old Andre, who signed from Fluminense for £21m last summer and won the praises of fans.
A marquee signing may yet take the Wolves midfield to the next level, as Atletico Madrid ace Conor Gallagher has been linked with a sensational £43m move to Molineux. Gallagher impressed in his first season in Spain but the West Midlands club would relish the chance to bring the England international back to the Premier League. If he arrives, the 25-year-old could start alongside Andre in the base of midfield, potentially allowing Gomes to play slightly further forward in attacking midfield.
Ligue 1 gem arrives to bolster attack
If Gomes is to take up one of the two spots behind the striker, where he may rotate with Marshall Munetsi, Pereira is still left with the difficult task of replacing talismanic figure Cunha. If rumours are true, they may already have the perfect option in the shape of AS Monaco attacking midfielder Maghnes Akliouche. GiveMeSport report that Wolves have submitted a ‘concrete offer’ for the 23-year-old playmaker, who has attracted attention from huge clubs all over the continent.
Monaco may demand up to £59m for their prized asset, but Wolves must attempt to negotiate a deal as Akliouche could be a game-changing signing. Alongside Gallagher and fellow new signing Fer Lopez, who signed for £19m from Celta Vigo and would provide a great option from the bench, Akliouche could take the Old Gold to the next level.
Starting up front, of course, will be Jorgen Strand Larsen, who has now signed on a permanent £23m deal from Celta Vigo after an impressive first campaign on loan with Wanderers. If the rest of the club’s recent transfer rumours prove true, Wolves could field a starting XI capable of competing with the very best in 2025/26.
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