Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has now explained why Gary O’Neil’s Wolves could ‘struggle’ this season.
Following their 14th-place finish last term, Wolves made three of their signings early doors, including Pedro Lima, Rodrigo Gomes and Jorgen Strand Larsen.
That was regarded as a positive start to the window however, the Wanderers have since signed no one else but sold centre-back Max Kilman to West Ham and lost Pedro Neto to Chelsea.
Whilst Kilman is seen as an easily replaceable player, on his day Neto is one of the Premier League’s best wingers and when fully fit, he was a game-changer for the club.
Gabby Agbonlahor cites Pedro Neto’s departure as the reason Wolves could ‘struggle’
It’s become a regular occurrence for Neto in recent years but last term, the Portuguese international missed half of the season through injury.
Impressively, though, he still produced two goals and nine assists in 20 top-flight appearances, which was telling of his importance when fully fit.
Now the Wanderers have sold him to Chelsea, they need to find the correct replacement for the 24-year-old, otherwise, Aston Villa legend Gabby Agbonlahor has tipped Wolves to ‘struggle’ in 2024/25.
Speaking on talkSPORT (8:55 am 16/08/2024), Agbonlahor said: “In a negative way, I think Wolverhampton Wanderers, for me, I feel that losing Neto who is their best player, every season they seem to lose one of their best players. I think it could be a struggle for Wolves this season.”
The 37-year-old can’t be criticised for saying Wolves could find it difficult without their star player but with two weeks till the transfer window shuts and several talented players to select from, O’Neil will be using this time to find Neto’s successor.
What Wolves still need to do in the transfer window
A promising start to the transfer window, in which Wolves signed three players, has now reached a period of desperation, where the Wanderers must find replacements for their key players.
Kilman’s impact on Wolves last term was underrated, with the former captain playing in every single minute in the Premier League.
They must prioritise a replacement for the 27-year-old in the final two weeks while also using the Neto money to sign a talented winger, capable of delivering match-winning moments.
Getting those additions right will be essential if the club are to achieve a successful campaign. Further, O’Neil needs to find a left-back to come in, as currently, the only left-footed option on that side is Rayan Ait-Nouri after Hugo Bueno joined Feyenoord on loan.
Squad depth was a major problem for O’Neil last season and it’s not an issue they’ve addressed this summer, so it’s vitally important new players arrive in the last two weeks.