A new generation of academy players is emerging at Wolves, full of promise and potential.
The Old Gold have always had an exciting academy, producing talented youngsters ready to make the step up; however, the club has rarely relied on homegrown players, preferring to buy promising talent from Europe and later selling them for a profit.
This approach has limited opportunities for academy stars to break into the first team, but with a disappointing start to the season, Vitor Pereira may now look to give fresh faces a chance to make an impact.
Wolves have several rising stars, including Emillio Ballard-Matthews, who recently signed his professional contract with the club.
The current struggles could open the door for the club’s young prospects to showcase their ability at the top level.
Rising star Mateus Mane scores in Wolves U21s defeat
Mateus Mane impressed again at the academy level, winning the ball back before scoring with a driven effort in Wolves U21’s 3-2 defeat to Forest Green Rovers in the Enterprise National League.
While he has yet to start for the first team, he made his senior debut last season, coming on as a substitute against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The youngster continues to stand out at academy level, showing composure and attacking threat beyond his years.
Despite Pereira calling him ‘special’, Mane hasn’t made one Wolves squad in 2025/26 yet.
Although he was not included on the bench for Wolves’ most recent Premier League clash with Newcastle United, his performances suggest a first-team opportunity may be on the horizon.
How Wolves’ formation switch has opened the door for Mane
Pereira’s switch from a 3-4-2-1 to a 3-5-2 formation against Newcastle United has presented a unique opportunity for Mane.
The system requires two strikers, but Wolves currently have just three senior options in the form of Hwang Hee-Chan, Jorgen Strand Larsen, and new signing Tolu Arokodare.
| Appearances | 4 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 2 |
While Arokodare impressed on his debut, Larsen remains sidelined, leaving a potential opening for the 18-year-old to feature in some capacity.
The tactical setup also places a heavy emphasis on mobility and pressing, traits that suit Mane’s style and could allow him to thrive alongside a senior striker.
With first-team opportunities limited so far, this formation switch could be the perfect chance for the rising star to make an impact at the top level.