Wolves have quite a bit of improving to do for fans to be confident about the new Premier League season, and while there are only two weeks in which to add players to the squad, there may be another avenue through which Vitor Pereira can strengthen his side.
It’s evident from recent performances that this squad is lacking. Not one player away, but a handful.
Concrete transfer rumours have been few and far between, and with each passing day, the likelihood of Pereira getting the three new signings he wants decreases.
He may need to turn his focus within and identify squad players who are ready to take the next step.
As for who he might find…
Sasa Kalajdzic could be the backup striker Vitor Pereira needs
Fabio Silva still being at Wolves in August wasn’t on the cards when this window began, yet progress has stalled as Wolves attempt to drive up the price.
But it still looks like he’s set to depart, and that leaves Jorgen Strand Larsen without a reliable backup as the rumoured move for David Datro Fofana has fizzled out. That is, unless Austrian striker Sasa Kalajdzic can step up.
Sasa Kalajdzic of Wolverhampton Wanderers looks on during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at Molineux
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Kalajdzic has been plagued by injuries, missing the entirety of last season and playing just 14 games for Wolves since signing in 2022.
But he’s fit now and has made a couple of promising pre-season appearances for Wolves. If he can stay healthy, there’s every chance he could rediscover his form from Stuttgart, where he managed 21 Bundesliga goal involvements in his best season.
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Mateus Mane can have an impact off the bench for Wolves
Before you say it’s too soon for Mateus Mane to do well in the Premier League, cast your mind back to last season, when two teenagers played key roles in Arsenal’s title challenge, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly. The same season in which a 17-year-old Lamine Yamal was getting shouts for best in the world.
Mateus Mane during Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v Brighton & Hove Albion FC - Premier League
Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Not to say this is even close to the expectation that should be placed on Mane’s shoulders, but the holder of Wolves’ youngest Premier League appearance can definitely compete at this level, and may develop into an important player for Pereira who can change games with his talent.
Wolves have been monitoring Christantus Uche for that role, but if they should fail to bring someone in, Mane deserves a chance in the first team.
Sam Johnstone could stay and challenge Jose Sa for Number 1
This one may be controversial, but now that Sam Johnstone’s rumoured destinations have moved onto other targets, he may decide to stay and compete for a starting berth.
Jose Sa is the undisputed first choice at present, but fans are growing concerned with Sa’s form, and some pressure from a number two could be of benefit.
Sam Johnstone playing for Wolves.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Johnstone could get a run in the Carabao Cup, and if his performances are better, Pereira may have a difficult decision to make.
Increased impact from these squad players could motivate those at risk of being supplanted to up their game. It’s a win-win.
Wolves have to find margins for improvement if they’re not going to be aggressive in the market, and at present that appears to be the case.