Wolves Summer Transfer Window 2024 Analysis: Strategy, Needs, Areas for Improvement and Financial Capabilities

Wolves’ Performance in the 2023/24 Season

Wolves managed a mediocre 13th-placed finish in the 2022/23 Premier League season and fell a place lower in the 2023/24 season as they finished 14^th with 46 points.

Despite playing some attractive football in certain games throughout the season, their inability to sustain that for longer spells has prevented them from climbing up the table. They made a poor start to the campaign, securing just one win in their first six games, but later revived their form towards the end of 2023. However, a dreadful run of form to end the season saw them slip lower down the table.

Wolves did reasonably well in the FA Cup as they defeated Brentford, West Brom, and Brighton en route to making the quarter-finals, where they fell to giant-killing Coventry City. The EFL Cup did not bring much joy either as they got past Blackpool in Round 2 with ease but lost to Ipswich Town in Round 3.

Now, they will look to improve their squad to try and break into the top 10 of the Premier League.

Transfer Strategy

Wolves have been astute in signing young and exciting players from under the noses of Europe’s elite and have done well to hold their own in negotiations. This is mainly due to the board’s ties with football super-agent Jorge Mendes, whose widespread network and influence has helped the club pull off some big deals.

Last season, the club spent handsomely to strengthen the team’s spine. They invested big in acquiring striker Matheus Cunha from Atletico Madrid and midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde from Strasbourg. They also signed Santiago Bueno from Girona and added Boubacar Traore from FC Metz to add more steel to their ranks.

However, the squad could still use some improvements and the club will have to recruit some new talent to fit into Gary O’Neil’s plans. They have already got the ball rolling by signing defenders Rodrigo Gomes (20y) and Pedro Lima (18y), as well as midfielder Tommy Doyle (22y), and will look to continue their pursuits.

Squad Needs & Areas of Improvement

Wolves have one of the biggest squads in the Premier League with 36 players currently registered as first-teamers. They are absolutely stacked with options in the forward positions, with players versatile and talented enough to cover any of them. It’s the same case with midfielders, as O’Neil has 13 players to choose between.

However, they could use some defensive reinforcements as some members of the old guard can probably be eased out of the first team to ensure the squad stays young.

Goalkeepers

With Jose Sa as the starting goalkeeper, Wolves have a reliable and solid player guarding the net. The only worry is the level drops significantly if and when Sa cannot play and they will need to guard against that scenario derailing their season. Given Sa’s great shot-stopping and ball-playing abilities, it may be difficult to find a good backup but it is necessary.

Defenders

Craig Dawson has been the heartbeat of this Wolves side for the last couple of seasons but with age catching up at 34, they will need to look for an adequate replacement for the veteran.

Potential Signings & Top Targets

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Jorgen Strand Larsen

Signed on an initial one-year loan deal from Celta Vigo, Wolves will look to develop Larsen into the profile they want. The 24-year-old made 39 appearances across competitions last season, scoring 13 goals and providing three assists as well. They will look to integrate him into the system properly so they can exercise their buy option next summer.

David Carmo

The 24-year-old had some promising spells for Olympiacos that led to his move to FC Porto last season. However, he did not get much of a look-in with the Portuguese side and was excluded from most of their matchday squads. He made 35 appearances for both clubs across competitions last season and could be eager to revive his career at Wolves next season.

Ramon Sosa

The 24-year-old Paraguayan winger could prove to be a great addition at a reasonable price and has been impressive for CA Talleres. Sosa has made 21 appearances across competitions and has chipped in with seven goals and six assists. Standing at nearly six feet tall with the ability to play across the front three, Wolves will keep a close eye on him.

Kasper Schmeichel

The 37-year-old Dane is currently without a club but made 32 appearances for Belgian side RSC Anderlecht and kept eight clean sheets in the process. He has 284 Premier League appearances and 198 Championship appearances and would be a great addition to a Wolves side in need of a quality backup for Jose Sa.

Wolves’ Financial Capabilities

Wolves have been quick and smart movers in the transfer market and have been known to have the knack of getting what they ask for in transfer dealings. Last season, they earned upwards of €100 million from player sales and reinvested a good chunk of that in acquiring replacements.

Budget Overview

Wolves sold a total of 28 players during the 2023/24 season for a total income of €169.20 million, while they signed 23 players for a total €88 million. Their net gain for the season was €81.20 million, giving them plenty of legroom to make some big deals in the upcoming window.

Financial Fair Play (FFP)

Considering the aforementioned facts, Wolves should be good when it comes to FFP. They have been smart at offloading players to clubs willing to pay well over the market values and have signed replacements on the cheap.

Strategic Spending

The club’s ties with Jorge Mendes have helped them greatly when it comes to being shrewd with transfer fees paid to clubs. This strategy has and will serve them well in the long run.

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