Wolves have something of a situation on their hands.
Bruno Lage really ripped into Ki-Jana Hoever after Saturday’s awful defeat to Crystal Palace.
The Dutchman had started in place of the injured Nelson Semedo.
But the 20-year-old suffered an injury himself early doors, and had to be replaced by Jonny Castro Otto.
Lage was asked about Hoever after the game, and essentially questioned the youngster’s professionalism.
He suggested he was not adequately prepared and now, the former Liverpool starlet’s Molineux future could be in doubt.
For the manager to call him out publicly like that was a real surprise. We have not really seen such anger before from Lage.
For him to say what he said suggests he is really not happy with Hoever at all. And also a few other young players in his squad, as he also suggested.
It is very possible that there might be no way back for Hoever.
One man who may well be watching the situation develop from afar, is Wolves’ £800,000 signing from last summer Bendeguz Bolla (The Athletic).
After signing for Wanderers, the Hungary international then headed out on loan to Grasshoppers, as many young Wolves players do.
Bolla has been enjoying a pretty productive season over in Switzerland.
He is playing regularly, making 21 appearances in total so far.
Bolla has showcased his attacking style well, contributing three goals and three assists operating as a right wing-back.
It will be very interesting to see if Wolves do away with Hoever this summer. If that’s a decision the club takes, then Bolla could potentially have the chance to stake a claim to be his replacement.
Bendeguz Bolla could be an option for Wolves in the event of Hoever sale/loan
Hoever’s Wolves career isn’t definitely finished.
But it is certainly in doubt at the moment. Lage was seething in his press conference, and he gave the impression that this has been building.
It is possible Hoever could be out the door if he does not regain Lage’s trust.
And rather than dip into the transfer market again, Wolves could potentially take a close look at Bolla in pre-season.
It seems he’s had a pretty good time so far over in Switzerland. Perhaps he could follow in the footsteps on Toti Gomes and come back to be a part of Wolves’ first-team squad.