Wolves’ issues against Chelsea only reinforced the work that Matt Hobbs and Gary O’Neil have to do before deadline day.
The summer transfer window slams shut on Friday night, giving Wolves a tight deadline to work with to rectify their early errors of 2024/25.
In their opening two fixtures of the Premier League season, the Old Gold have conceded eight goals, the majority of which coming on Sunday afternoon.
Gary O’Neil watched his side concede six at Molineux against Chelsea, where several of the club’s transfer priorities were highlighted.
Jose Sa display against Chelsea made Wolves’ need to sign a goalkeeper clear
Perhaps the most concerning part of Wolves’ 6-2 defeat to Chelsea was the fact that the Blues only recorded 1.68 expected goals, via Sofascore.
The statistic indicated that from the chances that visitors created, Enzo Maresca’s side massively over-achieved with the goals they scored, which only emphasised the individual errors Wolves made.
One player who had an afternoon to forget was Jose Sa, who was partly to blame for several of Chelsea’s goals, being beaten far too easily both at his near post and as a result of poor positioning.
Journalist Charlie Haffenden described Sa’s display as “unforgivable” in Birmingham World’s player ratings, a statement that reinforced one transfer hunt Hobbs must prioritise.
Not only do Wolves need to sign a new centre-back before deadline day, but a goalkeeper must now be even higher up O’Neil’s list.
Matt Hobbs has to deliver Aaron Ramsdale before deadline day
Fortunately, O’Neil’s job at searching for a new goalkeeper could be fast tracked due to Wolves’ registered interest in Aaron Ramsdale.
The Midlands club are said to have enquired about the possibility of signing the Arsenal ‘keeper on an initial loan, as he eyes a desperate move away from North London.
The Gunners are believed to want close to the £24m they paid for the Englishman at the point of his permanent exit although a loan looks most likely at this point in the window, as per the understanding of the Mirror.
Wolves’ defeat to Chelsea has highlighted now more than ever that Ramsdale must be acquired before deadline day, with the England international being a top-class goalkeeper on his day, hence his heavy involvement at Arsenal before the arrival of David Raya.
Ramsdale is considered to be an upgrade on Sa, an opinion that will be shared by many more following the demoralising loss against Chelsea.
Only time will tell if Wolves will now push even harder to sign Ramsdale, with the clock ticking as deadline day approaches.