It has certainly been a busy start to the summer for Wolves.
After Vitor Pereira guided the club to a 16th-placed finish in the Premier League, Wanderers have now set their sights on a productive summer ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
There is optimism that the club can do good things under Pereira, but the Portuguese will need backing well this summer, with rivals ready to strengthen.
But that optimism is just starting to waver a little, with Wolves having confirmed a few departures already.
Matheus Cunha joined Manchester United, while Pablo Sarabia is to leave as a free agent. Rayan Ait-Nouri will be confirmed as a Manchester City player shortly.
On Friday, Wolves released their retained list, and confirmed that Craig Dawson is also leaving the club as a free agent.
The defender has not played for Wolves in 2025, after Pereira decided Dawson’s profile wasn’t for him.
Pereira left Dawson out of Wolves’ updated Premier League squad and also banished him from training.
So his exit was essentially sealed months ago, but following confirmation of his exit, Wolves fans have been reacting on social media.
Wolves fans hail Craig Dawson impact as defender now leaves the club
Dawson joined Wolves in January 2023.
He played a huge part in the club’s safety mission in the second half of the 2022/23 season under Julen Lopetegui.
He was a regular in the backline last season under Gary O’Neil, but in 2024/25 his minutes rather dried up and it became clear quite quickly that he was not a player Pereira intended to use.
On social media, Wolves fans have given Dawson his flowers.
Ultimately, he did not cost much money to sign and certainly gave some very solid performances during his two-and-a-half seasons at the club. Some fans were quick to note the initial impact Dawson made at Molineux and his efforts in helping to keep the club safe.
@geenar34 said: “Still quality. Did his job without fuss. Hope he gets some success wherever he goes.”
@jay_wwfc07 said: “Obviously been poor this season but a phenomenal 18 months prior from a phenomenal professional. Massive part of why we stayed up in 22/23 and turned up whenever we need him most. Good luck, Craig.”
@BenThorne01: “Top player and professional, influential in keeping us in the league in the past. Also I think one of my favourite Wolves ever nicknames; thank you for everything, Ballon.”
@fernarlo_ said: “Some bloke. Thank you Craig. You were immense for us when we needed u most.”
@simon_toast added: “A class act and just what we needed. Good luck Mr Dawson.”
Where Craig Dawson could go next after Wolves exit
Where Dawson heads next will be really interesting.
Undoubtedly, he still has plenty to offer, with the centre-back having a wealth of experience.
And one club who may benefit from that experience is newly promoted Championship side Wrexham.
Wrexham are interested in Dawson as they seek to try and have a successful campaign. And he is not the only player they like.
Tommy Doyle is also of interest to Wrexham, although they do face competition from Sunderland who can obviously offer Premier League football.