Wolves enter the 2025-26 Premier League season with a subdued mood after a summer of high-profile departures and a winless pre-season. Following a nightmare start last term, Vítor Pereira steered the club to safety by March, but the squad appears undercooked after losing key players Matheus Cunha and Rayan Aït-Nouri to Manchester clubs, alongside captain Nélson Semedo. Combined, those three contributed to 59% of Wolves' 54 goals last season and played the most minutes among the squad.
Pereira, 57, is seeking a right-wing back, a striker and a midfielder to bolster his options. The club has signed Colombia winger Jhon Arias from Fluminense, hoping for an immediate impact, while 21-year-old attacking midfielder Fer López arrives from Celta Vigo for £19.5m. López, tracked for years, trained in Suffolk as a teenager and is seen as a potential gem. Youngster Mateus Mané, an England youth international, has been fast-tracked into the first team after his Premier League debut in May.
Fans are frustrated with owner Fosun over perceived lack of ambition, and the death of former player Diogo Jota has hit the club hard. Wolves will pay tribute before their opening match against Manchester City, which will also see Aït-Nouri return. Pereira, who previously turned down offers from Arsenal and Everton, remains confident: 'If I’m in the right place to challenge myself, I can do magic.'
Guardian writers predict Wolves will finish 16th, and the club hopes to avoid another relegation battle. The board has announced a new football leadership team led by director of football Domenico Teti, and chair Jeff Shi plans to redevelop the Steve Bull Stand. With a healthy financial position after sales, Wolves aim to rely on youth talent to change their fortunes.
