Ahead of Rob Edwards' arrival, The Athletic's David Ornstein has already shared one problem that the new Wolverhampton Wanderers boss will face in the January transfer window.
It has been a disastrous start for those in the Midlands, who recently sacked manager Vitor Pereira after less than a year in charge. Since returning to the Premier League in 2018, their top-flight status hasn’t looked as at risk as it is now. They currently sit eight points adrift of safety after 11 games and remain the only side in the league yet to pick up a win.
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Vitor Pereira
Turning things around from here will be far from easy, but it’s Rob Edwards who looks set to be handed that very task. The Middlesbrough boss wasn’t in the dugout for Boro’s victory over Birmingham City on Saturday and the club confirmed that he’s set to join Wolves, much to their reluctance.
The Championship side said in a statement: “Middlesbrough Football Club have, subject to the completion of an agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, given head coach Rob Edwards permission to speak to Wolves.
“We initially rejected an approach from Wolves on the basis that Rob signed a three-year contract with MFC less than six months ago. Following discussions with Rob we were disappointed to learn that he wanted to speak with Wolves regarding their head coach vacancy. We have now agreed terms with Wolves, subject to completion of the relevant paperwork.”
Edwards now also has the chance for some Premier League redemption, having been relegated with Luton Town the last time that he was in England’s top tier. Guiding Wolves to safety from this point would more than put those demons to bed.
With a new manager on the way, Wolves should be ones to watch in the January transfer window, but the reality is that they’re already facing one frustrating problem.
Ornstein reveals first transfer problem for Edwards at Wolves
Speaking on NBC Sports ahead of the manager’s arrival, Ornstein revealed that Edwards may only be able to sign homegrown players at Wolves in the January transfer window.
It’s a move that will immediately limit the new manager, but one that - according to Ornstein - will be made to prepare Wolves for any potential Championship campaign next season.
"I would expect Wolves to be active to support Rob Edwards with some new signings. Now, they can't really bring foreign players into the club, unless some leave. Unless they are under the age of 21.
"I think there will be more of a focus on homegrown players, especially with the idea that they may be in the Championship next season. I think they're going to focus very heavily on the attacking areas, on goals, and on creativity, because they are lacking severely."
Just who arrives as a result is the big question. Edwards could yet return to Middlesbrough in an attempt to lure some of his former stars to the Premier League, but whether they’d join a side who look destined for relegation remains to be seen.
Every Premier League and EFL manager sacked in the 2025/26 season