One rarely-seen Wolves player has made his intentions for next season known after returning from a loan spell.
Wolves are getting to work in Marbella as part of their pre-season plan, as Gary O’Neil aims to assess his squad ahead of next term.
The Englishman was given days to prepare for the 2023/24 campaign after arriving at Molineux just before the season opener, with the summer giving the manager to chance to work with his players.
As well as those who thrived at Wolves last term, O’Neil will have the task of sieving through the players who have returned from loan spells, with one figure making his presence known.
Nigel Lonwijk shares social media message after returning to Wolves from 2023/24 loan
Joining Wolves’ first team on their endeavours in Marbella is academy jewel Nigel Lonwijk, who spent last season out on loan.
The 21-year-old joined the Midlands club in January 2020 from PSV Eindhoven’s academy and has since journeyed through several loans.
Over the 2023/24 campaign, the Dutchman spent time at Grasshoppers before returning to Wolves to then sign for Wycombe Wanderers in League One.
Having now returned to his parent club, the centre-back posted a message on X to mark his return to training.
His caption read, “Hard work to start the season off! Feeling good & ready to go!” which could hint at his desire to kick on at Wolves next term.
Lonwijk will be eager to impress Gary O’Neil
Being a centre-back with senior experience under his belt as a result of his loan spells, Lonwijk will now be keen to make a breakthrough at Molineux.
The 21-year-old is currently in Marbella with the first team, where he will have the chance to impress the manager, at what could be considered a crucial time for both the player and the boss.
After selling Max Kilman to West Ham, O’Neil has a predicament to solve in defence, with limited options at centre-back at present.
Lonwijk should see a possible opening for him to make his mark in pre-season, with vacancies certainly there to be filled if the manager sees potential.
Despite having been at Wolves for over four years, the defender is yet to secure his senior debut for the club, with next season being crucial for the player, whose contract expires in 2025.
The centre-back has been named on the bench three times in the Premier League and will hope to take another step closer in the coming season.