While Wolves are embroiled in a relegation tussle in the Premier League, Hugo Bueno is starring on the Champions League stage for Feyenoord.
Feyenoord signed Hugo Bueno on loan in the summer transfer window after former manager Gary O’Neil didn’t see him playing a part in his plans.
The 22-year-old made the switch to the Dutch giants in pursuit of regular first-team football, with Bueno impressing in his left-back role.
The Spaniard has made 22 appearances in all competitions, including seven outings in the Champions League, where the youngster has impressed.
On Tuesday night, Feyenoord booked their place in the Champions League round of 16 with a win over AC Milan and Bueno earned rave reviews from the Dutch media after providing the delightful cross for Julian Carranza’s bullet header.
It’s a moment that has sparked conversation among Wolves fans, who have sent one clear demand to Vitor Pereira ahead of next season.
Wolves fans think Hugo Bueno is the perfect Rayan Ait-Nouri replacement
Rayan Ait-Nouri’s performances as a left wing-back made it almost impossible for Bueno to dislodge him and become a regular starter.
The Algerian has continued his development this term and is now arguably one of the division’s best wing-backs, with Jamie Carragher lauding Ait-Nouri as ‘quality’.
However, alongside talisman Matheus Cunha, the 23-year-old is someone who could leave for big money in the summer, resulting in Wolves fans suggesting Bueno would be an ideal replacement.
“We have the perfect replacement for RAN in Hugo Bueno, just hope we keep him,” one fan wrote.
“I would be more than happy to take £45m for RAN and keep Bueno,” another suggested.
“Hugo Bueno with a tremendous assist for Feyenoord against AC Milan!!” a third exclaimed.
“Why on earth did we let him go!” someone else exclaimed while a sixth replied: “Always rated Bueno.”
“Great assist from Bueno! Wolves need to utilise this young man next year!” another commented.
Bueno can make Jorgen Strand Larsen explode
The return of Bueno as a genuine left wing-back option is a tantalising prospect for Jorgen Strand Larsen, who would love to get on the end of the Spaniard’s crosses.
While Strand Larsen has plundered seven goals this term, quality service from wide areas is often lacking and the towering Norwegian enjoys balls being whipped into him.
As highlighted by FBref, Bueno ranks in the top 2% of defenders in the Champions League for crosses into the penalty area in 2024/25 and the top 18% for key passes, evincing his exceptional wand of a left foot.
Interestingly, the Wolves loanee played as a midfielder for Feyenoord on Tuesday, and that is a position he was used in years ago before joining the club.
Now, he could return to Molineux next season and become the chief creator for Strand Larsen, either as a wing-back or a midfielder.