With the summer transfer window quickly approaching, here are three Wolves players Gary O’Neil should look to loan out over the coming months.
For many of Wolves’ first team, the 2023/24 campaign has been a resounding success. Players such as Joao Gomes and Matheus Cunha have set the Premier League alight with their performances.
O’Neil has installed a real sense of belief in the Molineux faithful and this has been rewarded on the pitch.
Now, with the summer transfer window approaching, decisions need to be made on how to keep the good times flowing.
Departures will be expected in some form as the Wolves manager is given his first proper pre-season to mould his squad.
However, many players may also be sent out on loan in an attempt to continue their development and push them to the next level.
As a result, this article has highlighted three players O’Neil must send out on loan this summer to ensure their trajectory remains on track.
Nathan Fraser
The potential of Nathan Fraser is clear to see. Despite his limited appearances in the Wolves first-team, the striker has scored some vital goals this season.
The 19-year-old made his debut under O’Neil against Blackpool in the Carabao Cup at the start of the campaign where he netted in a 5-0 victory.
As a result of multiple injuries in 2024, Fraser was given more opportunities under O’Neil. This resulted in the striker netting a vital equaliser against Brentford in the FA Cup to take the tie to extra time.
However, since his last goal, Fraser has struggled to meet the pace of the Premier League and has been a mainstay on the bench.
With a striker of his age having so much ability, Wolves cannot afford to waste it. If Fraser was to be given more game time out on loan, it could allow him to grow into a future top-division striker.
A move to a Championship team in the next campaign would help harness his abilities and push him to the next level. If Fraser could net 10 goals in the second tier, he could well be a good option for O’Neil in the 2025/26 season.
Hugo Bueno
Another player with bundles of potential. Things have just not worked out for Hugo Bueno this season.
The Spaniard has struggled to force his way into the starting XI due to Rayan Ait-Nouri’s sensational form for Wolves.
However, even when an opportunity in the lineup has arisen for the wing-back, he has been unable to take advantage. This has now seen Hugo Bueno rank in the bottom 10 players in the Premier League due to his average rating.
As a result, Matt Doherty is often preferred by O’Neil if either Nelson Semedo or Ait-Nouri are unavailable.
Despite this, it is clear that the Spaniard still has the potential to be a top wing-back. If Wolves managed to keep hold of Ait-Nouri, a loan move could be ideal for Hugo Bueno to regain his form.
A season away at a top Championship side or a newly promoted Premier League team could rekindle the best of the 21-year-old once more.
Read more: Who Wolves should keep and sell this summer window.
Enso Gonzalez
The Paraguayan winger was one of few players to join the Wolves squad last summer as O’Neil secured the youngster’s signature towards the end of the window.
With the attacker being only 19 years old, he still holds plenty of promise despite not yet making his first-team debut.
Some have even tipped Enso Gonzalez to be the heir to Pedro Neto with Wolves’ star man consistently being linked to Arsenal.
Gonzalez made the bench against Luton last weekend and there is every chance he could make his first appearance under O’Neil in the remaining three games. However, a loan move could help the winger get these opportunities consistently.