For many Wolves fans, the January transfer window cannot come soon enough.
It has been a remarkably tough start to the 2024/25 season and Wolves have only just got their first Premier League win after 11 attempts.
Gary O’Neil managed to get three points against Southampton in a potentially job-saving result.
Some fans still want O’Neil sacked by Wolves though, feeling the result merely papers over the cracks. Certainly, it was not a great performance against the Saints.
It is expected that Wolves will be busy in January. The signing of a new centre-back will no doubt be a priority.
But we could also see some outgoings – and Goncalo Guedes could be one player on his way out.
Guedes ‘would welcome’ exit from Wolves in January, as Villarreal eye loan swoop
It was reported yesterday that Goncalo Guedes has emerged as a target for Villarreal, with the Spanish outfit looking to bolster their attacking options.
They have started the new season well, but have several forwards who have struggled with their fitness this term.
They took Guedes on loan last season and are keen to have him back, knowing he isn’t playing much for Wolves. Guedes has started just two games this season, both in the Carabao Cup.
It has now been suggested by Cadena SER that Guedes would indeed welcome a move to Villarreal in January.
Marca have relayed some comments from manager Marcelino about January plans. He is quoted as saying: “It’s still early for that. As the season goes on, we will see if there is a need, more based on injuries than performance. In attack, we haven’t yet been able to count on Gerard [Moreno], although we hope he returns and gives us a great performance.
“Together with the club and the medical staff we will see how the injured are and we will assess.”
Wolves should not be too hasty over Guedes
So speculation has now started about Guedes’ immediate future – but Wolves cannot be too hasty here.
Obviously, the player could well try and push for an exit in January, and that would be understandable given his lack of game time.
| Goncalo Guedes for Wolves this season |
| Appearances – 10 |
| Minutes played – 279 |
| Goals – 3 |
| Assists – 1 |
| G/A rate – one every 69 minutes |
But O’Neil saw in the second half of last season how injuries mounted up and really affected his team’s momentum.
£90,000-a-week star Guedes has scored three goals this season and provided a good assist against Crystal Palace recently. Since the start of the season, he has looked dialled in and has been lively during cameo performances.
The fact Guedes hasn’t started a single Premier League game for Wolves yet has been baffling, and O’Neil really ought to give him more opportunities. Otherwise, keeping him beyond January may not be possible, and losing him could turn out to be a mistake.