Joe Hodge may yet stay at Wolves today rather than head out on loan, despite the club completing the signing of Joao Gomes.
The Brazilian is the latest incoming at Molineux, after Flamengo finally decided to sell the player for £15 million.
Wolves saw a bid accepted two weeks ago. But Lyon came in with a higher offer, which had delayed proceedings.
Thankfully for Wolves, Gomes was never interested in joining the French giants.
He’ll now try to force his way into contention for regular minutes under Julen Lopetegui.
The head coach now has a plethora of options to play in the middle of the park.
Ruben Neves, Matheus Nunes and Joao Moutinho have tended to be the go-to picks recently. But there’s also players in reserves such as Hodge and Boubacar Traore, who’ll be back from injury soon.
It was suggested recently by journalist Liam Keen on the Express & Star podcast that Hodge could possibly head out on loan this month if Gomes came in.
That has now happened, but Keen says in the Express & Star that Wolves could actually now keep hold of Hodge despite the Brazilian’s arrival.
It remains to be seen though if Wanderers have any proposals for Hodge today.
The youngster has really impressed since making his first-team debut for the club back in October, and he would make a cracking addition for lots of clubs.
But it’s whether Lopetegui feels comfortable, pressing ahead with five midfield options rather than six.
Injuries and suspensions could always be a factor in the second half of the season.
Joe Hodge has Lopetegui’s faith and may not be permitted loan exit, even with Joao Gomes arriving
Who knows what today will throw up, but there’s no doubt that Lopetegui is a big fan of Hodge.
He’s given him a few opportunities now, and he really does catch the eye whenever he takes to the field.
Gomes coming in is definitely something that could impact his minutes.
But Lopetegui has spoken about having a squad packed with quality for the second half of the season.
There could be injuries, and fatigue will set in.
It could therefore be a slight risk to ship Hodge out.