Under Vítor Pereira’s leadership, Wolves forged a reputation as a fearless and organised side capable of competing with more expensively assembled squads. Key victories and breakout campaigns for younger players gave fans plenty to cheer—but heading into the summer, change is in the air. We spoke to Charlie Haffenden of BirminghamWorld to reflect on Wolves’ progress and assess how a potentially transformative transfer window might shape their ambitions heading into next season.
00:00Under Vitor Pereira's leadership, Wolves forged a reputation as a fearless and organised side,
00:09capable of competing with more expensively assembled squads.
00:13Key victories and breakout campaigns for younger players gave fans plenty to cheer about,
00:19but heading into the summer, changes in the air.
00:22The exits of big names like Mateus Cunha and Ryan Ait Nouri signal a reset.
00:28These departures, while disappointing for supporters, reflect the club's long-term model.
00:33Development set at high value and reinvest smartly.
00:37It's a tricky balance. Pereira wants to refresh the squad without losing the identity
00:42that made Wolves such awkward opponents at the best of times last season.
00:48We spoke to Charlie Haffordun of Birmingham World to reflect on Wolves' progress
00:52and assess how a potentially transformative transfer window might shape their ambitions heading into next season.
01:03Charlie, I'm Wolves and obviously Fer Lopez coming into the door and obviously Mateus Cunha leaving for Manchester United
01:11as well as Ryan Ait Nouri to Manchester City.
01:13Two key players over the last couple of seasons, especially last season when they were really, really struggling down around the bottom at Christmas
01:22and the revival under Vito Pereira was no secret.
01:26And then Ait Nouri, Cunha, incredible figures in that team.
01:30So when you do lose some key figures like that, it is important to replace them.
01:34And it seems like Wolves are maybe starting to actually reinvest this summer.
01:38Obviously, you know, we've got to wait to the back end of June for the PSR deadline.
01:43But then Wolves fans are going to be hopeful that July and, you know, maybe later in the summer
01:49that some more business can be done and they can get a few more signings over the line
01:52because reinvestment is so important at the top level.
01:55And it's something they really haven't done because, you know, they've sold the likes of Ruben Neves for high fees,
02:02Pedro Neto as well, to name a few.
02:04And they just haven't reinvested and it's really cost them over the last couple of seasons.
02:09Yeah, I think it's been a frustration, hasn't it, amongst the Molyneux fan base that just,
02:13why can't you reinvest this money? We've brought in so much.
02:16PSR isn't quite as much of a concern as it was.
02:19Just reinvest, reinvest. And finally, they are doing that, as you say.
02:22Fir Lopez as well, £19.5 million.
02:25It's a decent amount of money, enough that fans can be content,
02:29but not too much where it feels a huge risk.
02:31Of course, quite a relatively unproven talent.
02:35But he was amongst La Liga's best dribblers last season, despite his lack of minutes.
02:39But pretty exciting in that Celta Vigo team, looking like he might be able to push on to be a star player for them.
02:45Of course, won't be anymore because he has gone to Wolves.
02:48He's represented by just a few, who are the company that George Mendes works with.
02:52Of course, Wolves have had a great relationship with George Mendes over the years,
02:56really benefiting from that, signing players potentially who would otherwise be out of their reach.
03:01Fir Lopez, I don't think, is one of those necessarily.
03:04He's not a big name just yet, but Wolves looking to tap into that potential.
03:08Got a great left foot, likes to take on defenders, quite creative as well.
03:12Could play on the right wing or could play as a bit of a shadow striker, a bit like Mateus Cunha did.
03:16I think it could be a good signing, but of course, he waits to be seen just how he'll do in the Premier League.
03:21Yeah, and obviously those two players going out the door.
03:24Who do you feel is now the most important player at Wolves?
03:27Because, you know, we saw the welcome of Emmanuel Agbedou.
03:32He made a massive difference when he came through the door in January.
03:36And then Andre and João Gomes, the two Brazilians in the midfield.
03:39You know, one of the best partnerships in the league, it has to be said, on their day.
03:42Those that sort of standouts now, they've obviously got a few young players as well.
03:47Pedro Lima, are we going to see him get his chance at the 18 at right back?
03:52Who sort of stands out?
03:54You look at your with Sean Larson as well.
03:56Fourteen Premier League goals, that certainly can't be ignored by other fans across the Premier League.
04:03I'd have to agree with the names that you've mentioned.
04:05And Agbedou, starting in the winter, just saw how much of an impact he had and how much Wolves defence, how much more solid it became as soon as he joined the club.
04:14They were lacking that kind of fairly quick but strong.
04:17And I think one player that you haven't mentioned who might not be a Wolves player come the end of June is Nelson Semedo.
04:24It's just so important, I think, that Wolves convince him to stay.
04:28It's just difficult because he hasn't accepted that contract since going on and on.
04:31It feels inevitable now that he's going to leave the club.
04:33And being the captain, being one of the very few proper leaders in that dressing room, I think he'll be a big miss.
04:39But if Wolves can keep hold of him, I think he'll be one of the most important players in that squad for many years to come.
04:43I think he'll be one of the most important players.
