The wheels have now been set in motion as Wolves confirmed their first signing of the summer transfer window on Friday.
Fer Lopez signed a five-year contract at Wolves after a £19.5 million transfer was agreed from Celta Vigo, joining former teammate Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Lopez promises to be the first of many players to arrive at Molineux this summer, and Wolves have been linked with Nicolas Raskin from Rangers as their next possible recruit.
Raskin outperformed Joao Gomes for tackles won per 90 last year, with the 24-year-old a potential capture that supporters can get behind.
But whilst there is a focus on replacing Matheus Cunha and adding quality at left wing-back and in midfield, Vitor Pereira still wants a left-sided centre-back to rival Toti Gomes.
Wolves want to sign Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi
Wolves have been linked with Robert Renan, someone Pereira worked with during his time at Corinthians, and he isn’t the only left-footed defender on their radar.
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Wolves have rekindled interest in Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi, who they have been following for over a year.
The report claims that Aston Villa, Tottenham, Bournemouth, Brighton and Brentford are chasing his signature, with the 26-year-old boasting a £24 million release clause that is valid until July 10.
Lucumi, who plays alongside Wolves ace Yerson Mosquera for Colombia, was part of the Bologna side that beat AC Milan in the Italian Cup final, and as a result, ended their 51-year wait for a major trophy.
A strong and progressive ball-playing centre-back, Lucumi featured 44 times in 2024/25, including seven appearances in the Champions League.
But even with his vast experience and incredible attributes, it doesn’t make much financial sense for Wolves to pay £24m for someone whose contract expires in June 2026.
What Lucumi has said about his Bologna future
Lucumi would be an excellent addition to the Wolves defence, but during a time when signing a wing-back, a number 10, and a striker is more important, Pereira could do without paying a hefty sum for a defender.
In an interview with Gol Caracol, the Colombian powerhouse discussed his future, and he admitted he’s ‘very happy’ to be at the club, despite his contract expiring in a year.
“Right now, yes; now I have to return to Bologna,” Lucumi said. “I have a contract there and I live day by day. We don’t know what’s going to happen, what’s going to happen, but right now, my present is Bologna. I’m very happy too.
“They’ve given me everything. My family is fine, they’re happy, my son, my wife, and that clearly makes me feel good. However, we don’t know what’s going to happen. We take it day by day and wait and see what happens.”