It’s expected, and hoped, that Wolves will be bringing in a number of new players this summer.
The club are set to finish anywhere from eighth to 10th come tea time on Sunday, and that will feel disappointing.
Yes, many would probably have been happy with that at the start of the season.
But Wolves’ season could have been so much better.
European football was a genuine possibility only a few weeks ago.
But Wolves lost their nerve at completely the wrong time. And it’s left supporters feeling a little glum heading into the summer.
Johnny Phillips recently said that transfer activity at the club would be ‘significant’. That will be music to many Wolves supporters’ ears.
But one wonders if we might also see some new faces coming up from the youth ranks.
One player Lage perhaps ought to take a look at in pre-season, is Spanish youngster Hugo Bueno, who is really finishing the 2021/22 season strongly.
Bueno, who signed for Wolves from Arosa in 2019, has been in fine fettle for James Collins’ U23s in recent weeks. He has showcased real attacking prowess of late.
Against Norwich City last night at Molineux in the Premier League 2 play-off semi-final, he gave Wanderers the lead when he received the ball inside from Luke Cundle.
Bueno unleashed a fantastic curling effort into the far corner with his weak right foot.
That was his fifth goal in as many matches.
It was just another vibrant display from the 19-year-old, who seems to be at the heart of all Wolves’ superb attacking football lately.
He sought to get forward every chance he could, and put in several crosses for teammates.
Bruno Lage must be finding it hard to ignore Hugo Bueno, as youngster grabs another goal against Norwich
Hopefully Lage managed to catch last night’s game, and he would have see another really good showing from Bueno.
The Spaniard’s form is most welcome.
Wolves will lose Fernando Marcal when his contract expires this summer. And the club will need to replace the Brazilian.
Given Jonny Castro Otto is capable of playing on the left, it would make sense for Lage to bring in another young option in addition Rayan Ait-Nouri.
Bueno was recently suggested as being ‘too good’ for U23s football by The Athletic.
So it’s possible Lage will be getting a close look at him in pre-season ahead of the 2022/23 season.
It would be fantastic to see him perhaps get some involvement. Although maybe a loan move first would be more likely.