Wolves ended the summer window without signing a player in a key position, a new midfielder, but their priority for January has now become clear.
Vitor Pereira has recently switched to using a back-four system, a change intended to turn around the Old Gold’s poor form.
So far, it has worked excellently, picking up a win against Everton in the Carabao Cup and then later getting a point away to Tottenham.
In London, Pereira only used the new tactics in the first half, but it was still effective in getting a result.
The summer window was focused on bringing players in who could play in Wolves’ back-three formation, but with Jackson Tchatchoua saying Pereira now prefers four defenders, they will need to refocus their sights in the January market.
Wolves need to sign a Hwang Hee-chan replacement
Hwang Hee-chan is Wolves’ only natural left winger, and that makes sense considering Vitor Pereira has used wide number tens in his back-three tactics.
However, the latest change to his formation has now left a clear hole in his squad. Wolves need to sign another left-sided attacker.
The Portuguese head coach does have some makeshift options at his disposal should he need them.
Rodrigo Gomes is an unlikely but smart choice for left wing, who can provide the front-footed approach attackers need to have.
Gomes is Wolves’ joint top scorer alongside Jorgen Strand Larsen after scoring in back-to-back games against West Ham and Everton.
Fer Lopez is another option, with the Spaniard offering a creative spark rather than a direct approach.
The Spaniard fixes a key problem for Wolves this season, but he has only played two games as a left winger during his career.
The January window will be an excellent opportunity for Wolves to strengthen, and based on how the season is going, they need to do so.
A left winger is a priority should the back four persist.
Hwang Hee-chan’s stats over last two seasons are a concern
Hwang Hee-chan has provided the Old Gold faithful with countless memories.
The Korean’s 2023/2024 season was special, scoring 12 Premier League goals and getting three assists in 29 appearances.
However, it has been a long time since Hee-chan has shown that same quality.
Over the last two seasons, the winger has just three goals and one assist over 32 games, which is a far cry from a return you would want from a Premier League attacker.
The former RB Leipzig man seems to have lost all confidence, and Wolves must replace him or provide competition for the player in the upcoming window.