Pre-season is always a very interesting period, because little known players can make names for themselves – and one Wolves youngster seems to be doing just that.
It has been a summer of frustration so far for the fans, who have been clamouring for new signings.
But the window appears to have now sprung into life.
Jhon Arias is set to sign for Wolves after a breakthrough was reached last on Wednesday night, and he will arrive as the second signing, one month on from Fer Lopez.
Wolves are also thought to be actively trying to sign Marc Pubill, with Nelson Semedo now a free agent and unlikely to sign the contract the club have offered him.
Meanwhile, Vitor Pereira is putting the players he does have at his disposal through their paces.
And after training yesterday, journalist Liam Keen gave a heads up about one Wolves youngster who is impressing.
Leo Lopes receives praise for efforts in Wolves’ pre-season so far
This training camp in Portugal is a really big opportunity for a lot of players.
Pereira is casting his eye over proceedings and is currently working out who will be a part of his squad for the coming season.
Obviously, plenty are already nailed on.
But there are some who are perhaps looking to show that they should be kept around, such as returning players Sasa Kalajdzic – who was praised by Liam Keen after scoring against Santa Clara – and Yerson Mosquera.
This camp is also a very big chance for young players to catch Pereira’s eye, and one man who might well have done that so far is Leo Lopes.
Journalist Liam Keen said after Wolves’ session yesterday morning: “You don’t want to big up young lads that haven’t had a chance too much, because it’s probably a little bit unfair on them.
“But I have to mention that I thought Leo Lopes did really well again. We saw him in the game against Santa Clara – did well.
“(In training) A couple of nice goals, really good crosses. Again, it’s a training scenario so you don’t want to go too overboard. But I thought he did pretty well.”
Who is Wolves youngster Leo Lopes?
Leo Lopes, 20, is a Portuguese winger who signed for Wolves in the summer of 2023, with the club having had tabs on him since he was 16.
Wanderers plucked him from Grasshoppers over in Switzerland, with whom he spent a couple of seasons.
Although he hails from Portugal, Lopes spent time growing up in the UK.
At the time of Lopes’ signing, Wolves’ head of UK academy recruitment Harry Hooman said of the starlet: “Leo is an exciting attack-minded player who can operate on either wing.
“He makes things happen with his ability and athleticism in one v one situations. He is also prepared to do the other side of the game and shows good intensity and desire to defend out of possession.
“What has always impressed me most about him has been his hunger and personality. Leo has shown real maturity to go over to Switzerland at 16 and experience a new country and culture. I am sure he has learnt a lot both on and off the pitch over those two years, however now it’s time for him to kick on again and show us what he can do.”
With Vitor Pereira already confirming Mateus Mane will be with the first-team next season, Lopes will no doubt be doing his level best to impress the boss.