Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Premier League status is currently still mathematically intact, but the reality is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Failing a miracle run of results, it appears more likely by the week that the West Midlands side will be preparing for life in England’s second tier ahead of the 2026/27 season. While relegation isn’t confirmed yet, planning for the Championship should already be underway and identifying the right players could prove crucial in making a swift return to the Premier League. Here are five players we think Wolves should target this summer.
Five Players Who Could Help Wolves Bounce Straight Back
5. Kieran Trippier
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Kieran Trippier will leave Newcastle at the end of the season as a free agent. If he is willing to drop down to the Championship for a term, this is a no-brainer signing. Trippier would provide desperately needed leadership and Premier League-proven quality at right-back.
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His ability to deliver precise crosses, take set-pieces, and marshal a defensive line makes him an ideal fit for a Championship campaign where both results and experience matter. Trippier’s presence could stabilise the defence while offering an attacking outlet on the flank.
4. žan Vipotnik
žan Vipotnik has been one of the Championship’s most reliable goal scorers. Leading the line in a struggling Swansea City side, he has scored 18 goals in 38 appearances and chipped in with two assists, making him the division’s top goal scorer. He has demonstrated an ability to convert limited chances, an invaluable ability when making a promotion push. For Wolves, who often rely on a lone striker to link play and attack space, Vipotnik fits the mould of a modern focal point.
3. Arthur Okonkwo
Arthur Okonkwo, a former Arsenal Academy graduate and England U18 international, could provide Sam Johnstone with competition or even take the number one spot. Valued at just £3 million, it could be an excellent acquisition should José Sá leave this summer.
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The young goalkeeper has impressed in his spell in the Championship with 10 clean sheets. He has demonstrated good leadership, strong distribution skills, and sharp reflexes. Securing a goalkeeper of Okonkwo’s quality could be crucial to maintaining defensive stability and to helping Wolves add more homegrown players to the squad.
2. Hayden Hackney
Hayden Hackney remains one of the most composed midfielders in the division. Should Middlesbrough fail to achieve promotion, then Hackney should absolutely be a player on the Wanderers’ radar. Operating from deep, he dictates tempo with intelligent positioning and progressive passing. Wolves have tended to rely on midfielders capable of controlling transitions, making Hackney a natural fit. A deal between the two clubs may prove difficult, however, following the tension that arose after Wolves appointed Rob Edwards as head coach.
1. Taylor Harwood-Bellis
Taylor Harwood-Bellis has established himself as one of the Championship’s most promising young centre-backs during his time at Southampton. With the Saints currently outside the playoff spots, a switch to Wolves should they fail to secure promotion could be a good move for the England International.
Physically dominant and composed on the ball, Harwood-Bellis is comfortable in a back three or four and has shown the ability to read the game intelligently. Wolves could benefit from his defensive solidity, aerial presence, and leadership at the heart of the defence, especially in a league where mistakes are punished quickly.
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Relegation would be a defining moment for Wolves, demanding smart planning and resilience. Success in the Championship will hinge on discipline, adaptability, and clear decision-making both on and off the pitch. With the right approach, a season in the second tier could become an opportunity to rebuild and emerge stronger, ready to reclaim a place in the Premier League.
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