Now that 2024 is underway, here are three players Wolves need to look to replace this year.
Gary O’Neil is doing a fantastic job at Molineux. The manager has guided Wolves to 11th place at the halfway point in the year as they look to return to their previous Premier League heights.
This is despite the fact that O’Neil had come into a club that was in upheaval in the summer. Many first-team players had left with the manager only coming into the club days before the season was set to start.
However, despite a tricky start that began with a 1-0 loss away to Man United, Wolves have now arguably never been in a better state on the pitch.
The squad has won three games in a row in the Premier League and brilliantly fought back to earn a replay against Brentford in the FA Cup despite being down to 10 players.
O’Neil will be looking to build on this going into 2024 but needs to be wary of the squad and their situation. There are plenty of first-teamers who are ageing or whose contracts are expiring within the next 18 months.
Therefore, in order to prevent another upheaval in 2025, here are three players that Wolves need to target replacements for this year.
Craig Dawson
The centre-back has been great for Wolves since he signed from West Ham 12 months ago. Craig Dawson has helped add stability and experience to the backline and has even popped up with a couple of goals.
In the last Premier League fixture against Everton, the defender was fantastic and topped the performance off with Wolves’ third of the afternoon.
However, the big problem with Dawson is his age. The centre-back is now 33 years old and will turn 34 in May. Despite Dawson saying that he can continue to perform at this level for years to come, replacements still need to be lined up.
A defender is arguably needed anyway due to Wolves’ lack of clean sheets this year. O’Neil’s side has only managed to keep out a Premier League opposition three times so far this campaign.
Pedro Neto
The winger has easily been one of Wolves best-performing stars this year. Despite his injury against Newcastle three months back, Pedro Neto’s two substitute appearances have shown no signs of rustiness.
However, with such form, comes interest. Multiple clubs have signalled their desire to sign the Portuguese international including Arsenal over recent years.
A transfer in the summer looks like a real possibility according to some sources which means Wolves could be without a major player next season.
O’Neil and the club cannot wait for what may or may not happen. The club are short in the winger department and the departure of Neto before any replacement would leave Wolves in a difficult position.
Ideally, Wolves need a target a winger now who is ready for first-team football. Then, if Neto does leave, O’Neil doesn’t need to worry about bringing in a winger straight away.
Mario Lemina
Another top performer for the club this season. Mario Lemina has been the standout player for Wolves throughout the festive period. This saw him score past Chelsea and Brentford in late December.
However, like Neto, Lemina has been linked away in the past. Since signing for the club 12 months ago, the midfielder has been linked to Liverpool.
The fact that the midfielder only has 18 months left on his contract is also concerning as his price is dropping by the day.
O’Neil needs to ensure that this situation is sorted or start lining up replacements. The 30-year-old has become a key player in the middle of the pitch so any incoming midfielder would need to live up to these standards.