In this transfer window, resolving the futures of their current stars remains just as important as signing them, with Wolves needing to give one of their integral players a new deal.
Wolves fans were left fearing the worst at the end of the last campaign, as following a 14th-place finish, Fosun made huge increases to season ticket prices.
Luckily, that mishap from the Wanderers owner has all been forgotten about and instead, the club have enjoyed a productive summer so far.
Addressing multiple positions with the signings of Jorgen Strand Larsen, Pedro Lima and Rodrigo Gomes, while turning Tommy Doyle’s loan into a permanent deal, there is a quiet confidence that Gary O’Neil is building something special at Molineux.
For the Wolves boss to continue making progress, he must resolve the multiple contract dilemmas that await him as several see their deals expire in 2025.
Wolves players out of contract at Molineux in 2025
The Wanderers have had one eye on the future with their first four signings, who are all aged 24 and under.
O’Neil has showcased his appetite to sign youthful talents and he must also have the future in mind when assessing the players who are out of contract.
Currently, Wolves are set to lose six players in 2025, including Nelson Semedo, Daniel Bentley, Craig Dawson, Mario Lemina, Daniel Podence and Pablo Sarabia.
While Dawson turns 35 by the time his contract expires next summer, Semedo and Sarabia – also in their thirties – are two of the club’s highest earners.
O’Neil may choose to let their deals run down, as opposed to giving them new ones – and similar can be said for Bentley and Podence – with the latter wanted by Olympiacos.
That leaves just Lemina, who the club must certainly tie down to a new contract.
Wolves must act quick to give Mario Lemina new contract
Following the departure of Max Kilman to West Ham, O’Neil dropped a huge hint over his next appointment for the armband by handing it to Lemina in the 1-0 friendly win over Como.
Lemina was a crucial cog in the Wanderers midfield last term, as he formed an incredible partnership with Joao Gomes while leading by example on and off the pitch.
Once dubbed ‘top-class’ by Manchester City winger Jack Grealish, the 30-year-old is one player that Wolves must keep this summer – amid previous interest from Galatasaray – and should show their intent in that regard by keeping the Gabon star.
Lemina – who showcased his ball-winning attributes last term by averaging 2.73 tackles and 1.24 interceptions per game – the experienced midfielder is so important to the energy and tenacity present in central areas.
Alongside Gomes, the pair are like an immovable brick wall and their exceptional defensive work allows the likes of Matheus Cunha, Pedro Neto and Hwang Hee-Chan to flourish.
O’Neil previously labelled Lemina as ‘incredibly selfless’, as he can operate in multiple positions for the sake of the team. He’s very effective as a deep-lying playmaker and he’s great at driving forward, which is why Wolves shouldn’t hesitate to give the £45k-a-week titan a new contract.