Dave Edwards has suggested that one player who’s been wonderful in pre-season actually shouldn’t be a regular starter.
It’s a huge week ahead of Vitor Pereira, as he puts his players through their paces ahead of the opening Premier League game with Manchester City.
It hasn’t been a great pre-season for Wolves, who did not win a single game with performances largely uninspiring.
Just three new signings have been made so far, and it is very much looking like Wolves could be doing a lot of their business towards the end of the window in a few weeks’ time.
One position that is currently high on the agenda is right wing-back, with Nelson Semedo finally announcing his Wolves exit recently.
Marc Pubill was on the verge of joining Wolves, but for a late hijack by Atletico Madrid.
Juanlu Sanchez has also been linked with Wolves, but would prefer to join Napoli.
The lack of a signing has pushed Ki-Jana Hoever into the picture and he looks set to start against City on Saturday, but Dave Edwards feels the Dutchman shouldn’t be the regular pick.
Dave Edwards urges Wolves to sign new right wing-back as he delivers Ki-Jana Hoever verdict
Hoever is back in the picture at Wolves now after spending last season on loan at Auxerre.
It was a productive season for him, and Hoever – who cost £13.5 million (The Athletic) – is potentially now an option for Wolves with no new right wing-back signed yet.
Dave Edwards has liked what he’s seen from Hoever in pre-season.
But the former Old Gold midfielder does feel that Wolves need a new right wing-back to come in, with Hoever to play a supporting role.
He said in latest E&S column: “I think Ki-Jana Hoever has had a wonderful pre-season. He’s put himself right in the mix and I expect him to start against Manchester City this weekend, but I feel we really need someone to come into that role and make it their own.
“Hoever can support them, hopefully build and get some appearances this season and then see where he goes from there.”
Who Wolves could yet sign to play at right wing-back
It’s been a mixed bag for Hoever in pre-season.
He has had wonderful moments, like his assist for Jorgen Strand Larsen against Burnley.
But he’s also been inconsistent with his final ball. Against Girona, Wolves fans criticised Hoever for this.
Wolves are still actively searching for a new right wing-back and hopefully there will be some movement in the coming days.
Wolves have been linked with Nicolo Savona recently, and the Italian may be seen as a viable option.
Milan van Ewijk has been on Wolves’ shortlist too, although he’s not thought to be near the top of that list.
And Molineux News was recently informed that Wolves held an interest in Oscar Mingueza, who is already known to both Fer Lopez and Strand Larsen.