Wolves fans are expecting a summer of change after a disappointing end to the 2021/22 season.
Bruno Lage oversaw a poor run of results that culminated in the team slipping down to 10th place on the final day of the Premier League season.
Although many people would have accepted a 10th place finish if it was offered at the start of the season, things could have been so much better.
For a large part of the season, Wolves were really good defensively.
With 43 conceded, only the top four shipped fewer in the end.
But the defensively solidity was nowhere to be found in the final couple of months, and there will need to be some outgoings.
Here’s what the club should do with the current crop of goalkeepers and defenders.
Goalkeepers
Jose Sa – KEEP
Sa had an amazing first season with Wolves, and ended the campaign as the Player of the Season.
John Ruddy – CONFIRMED LEAVING
Ruddy confirmed on Instagram recently that he would be leaving the club. The tone of his message suggested that he had wanted to stay.
Bruno Lage also wanted him to stay. But it seems the board had other ideas.
Matija Sarkic – LOAN
Sarkic only had half a season with Birmingham City last term due to injury.
He had looked really good for the Blues before dislocating his shoulder, which he needed surgery for. Sarkic wants to play, and he should be given the chance to do so out on loan.
Defenders
Jonny Castro Otto – KEEP
Jonny made a successful return from a second serious knee injury in February. The Spaniard can play on either side of the defence and can even fill in on the right of a back three if required.
He’s a top professional who needs keeping around.
Nelson Semedo – KEEP
Semedo was much improved in 2021/22. He scored just one goal but should have had a handful more.
Semedo had a couple of hamstring injuries, and Wolves felt his absence when he was on the sidelines.
Ki-Jana Hoever – LOAN
2021/22 again saw Hoever warming the bench.
He was given a public dressing down by Lage after the defeat to Crystal Palace in March, and it just feels he needs some time away from Molineux to get back on track. Ajax are said to be keen.
Conor Coady – KEEP
The captain has been linked with Everton and Newcastle United in recent times.
But Wolves shouldn’t be looking to sell.
There has been talk about Lage changing systems to a back four, which would maybe not suit Coady so much, but apparently he wants to use both next term for tactical flexibility.
Max Kilman – KEEP
Kilman was absolutely tremendous in 2021/22, and Wolves cannot lose him this summer.
He dominated both on the ground and in the air, and his ability to dribble the ball out is a fantastic trait. He’s Wolves best defender.
Willy Boly – SELL
Unfortunately, since he returned from injury earlier this year, Boly just hasn’t been the same player as he was a couple of years back.
He seems to have lost a yard of pace, and he no longer dominates like he used to. Wolves ought to listen to offers for the £10 million player.
Toti Gomes – KEEP
Gomes was a surprise debutant for Wolves back in January when Saiss was away at AFCON.
Many thought Dion Sanderson would come in, given he had been recalled from his loan at Birmingham.
But Gomes got the nod, and he really caught the eye. He then impressed in Wolves’ final two games against Norwich City and Liverpool. He’s definitely ready for more Premier League minutes with Wolves.
Yerson Mosquera – LOAN
Lage’s first signing at Wolves playd just one game for the first-team in 2021/22. He suffered a high-grade hamstring injury back in October just 10 minutes into his competitive debut against Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup.
That was a huge shame, for a player who looked really promising in pre-season. He needs a loan move to help him get back on track, especially with Gomes now around at Molineux.
Romain Saiss – ALL BUT CONFIRMED TO BE LEAVING
Saiss has strongly suggested that he is leaving Wolves this summer.
An agreement has not been reached, and he’ll bring an end to his stint at Molineux after six years.
It’s a shame. He’s been a brilliant servant and is a leader within the dressing room. But Wolves can upgrade.
Fernando Marcal – CONFIRMED LEAVING
The Brazilian will leave Wolves when his contract expires this summer.
It is though Botafogo will be his next destination. It is the right decision from the club to allow him to depart.
Rayan Ait-Nouri – KEEP
Ait-Nouri had a really impressive campaign for Wolves in 2021/22. Sometimes he can over-complicate things.
But there is no denying his huge potential, and next term he should be looking to become Lage’s regular pick at left wing-back.