The games are coming thick and fast. Some Wolves fans won’t even notice the January transfer window creeping ever closer — but those inside the club are very aware.
Priority number one for Rob Edwards will be getting his first win as Wolves manager, but coming in at a close second is the opening of the transfer market for winter business.
Edwards outlined Wolves’ approach to the window. It will depend on performance over the next few weeks, meaning a continuation of current form could make this new information obsolete.
But there are so many issues for Wolves to address in January that tight pockets from the owners would really frustrate an already irate fanbase.
Sources close to the club have shared plans that will come into place if the ship is somewhat righted.
Wolves have two exciting upgrades in mind for January
Recent seasons have made it difficult to get overly excited about so-called ‘transfer plans’.
Fosun have not shown the ambition in recent times that got Wolves European football. Their focus on financial sustainability has been to the detriment of the club.
Wolves’ value decreases by the day…📉
That said, whispers are coming from Molineux about two positions that Wolves are looking to address.
That’s according to The Athletic’s Transfer DealSheet, which takes information from “sources with knowledge of transfer dealings” at Wolves. . Steve Madeley talks about the logistical challenges of a complete overhaul in the summer, before outlining the immediate business they want to do.
He writes: “In the short term, forwards with flair and creativity will be a priority for making Wolves more competitive in the second half of this campaign.
“Goalkeeper is another obvious position to address, given that neither Jose Sa nor Sam Johnstone have nailed down the No 1 spot.”
That first one is what Wolves fans were hoping to see. This season, the lack of creativity in the forward lines has made Wolves a difficult watch — results aside.
The ability to make and finish chances has been sorely lacking, and is one of the main reasons why Wolves find themselves in such a tough spot.
As for a goalkeeper, it’s less glamorous, but maybe just as needed. Sa has regressed this season, while Johnstone has been decent, but both are into their thirties and maybe not of the quality necessary for Wolves to compete in the Premier League.
That feels harsh, but Wolves leak chances and a keeper who can single-handedly bail out the defence, who is also young enough, could be a valuable upgrade to make.
🚨Wolves have to sell Jose Sá to sign Christos Mandas. They have no non-homegrown slots left, whilst Sam Johnstone and Dan Bentley are both homegrown.
The other position mentioned was right-back, but that doesn’t feel nearly as urgent. Rodrigo Gomes and Matt Doherty have been injured, but they will return, and Jackson Tchatchoua shows promise. He’s not the finished article by any means, but he’s young and will only get better as the months go by.
Fosun need to take action in January, even if the possibility of survival looks low. To not even try would be a damning indication of their indifference to the fans and the history of the club. Wolves deserve better.
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