Wolverhampton Wanderers relied on a remarkable spring recovery to evade a relegation struggle lasting the full season, and Vitor Pereira now has his initial summer in charge of the club to ensure a similar scenario doesn’t repeat next campaign.
A crucial transfer window began roughly when two of the team’s standout players moved to Manchester, as Matheus Cunha joined United in a club-record £62.5m sale for Wolves, while Rayan Ait-Nouri transferred to team up with Pep Guardiola on the blue side of the city in a deal worth approximately £31m.
Wanderers, therefore, possess funds to spend as they seek to replace their two departed stars and enhance the squad further. With numerous transfer rumors circulating around the club, what might their ideal XI look like next season? We explored how Pereira envisions lining up in 2025/26 if rumors hold true.
Goalkeeper and defense:
Pereira is likely to stick with the 3-4-2-1 formation that benefited Wolves greatly after his arrival last season, featuring two wing-backs racing up and down the sidelines in front of three center-halves at the rear. For this purpose, we will consider the wing-backs as defenders rather than midfielders.
Jose Sa appears set to continue in goal for Wolves after a solid four years in the Premier League. The 32-year-old Portuguese international has players like Sam Johnstone and Dan Bentley as reserves in a robust goalkeeping unit, though a new No.2 might need to be brought in if rumors linking Johnstone with a departure materialize.
At the back, Pereira recruited Emmanuel Agbadou as his first signing in January, and the Ivorian excelled alongside the likes of Toti and Matt Docherty in a back three.
Wolves will likely begin with Agbadou and Toti and may target a new player to occupy the third center-back position. Rennes defender Christopher Wooh has been connected in a €5m deal and could offer a clever acquisition, with Docherty and Santiago Bueno as backup choices.
The right-wing back role could pose a challenge next season. Club captain Nelson Semedo has left following the end of his contract, despite a new four-year deal being offered.
A decision is yet to be made about whether Semedo will stay with the club or officially bid his farewells. Jackson Tchatchoua of Hellas Verona is a possible target if Semedo departs, but as this is a dream XI, we will assume Semedo does sign a new contract.
Despite Ait-Nouri’s exit, there are surprisingly few rumors linking Wanderers with a new left-back.
This might indicate that Pereira is considering giving a chance to Hugo Bueno, who shone on loan at Feyenoord last season and played nine times in the Champions League. At just 22 years old, Bueno is a year more seasoned and may be prepared to start in the Premier League.
Big-name signing in midfield department?
With two full Brazilian international midfielders in their lineup, Wolves appear quite strong in the midfield area. Joao Gomes stood out last season and was voted Player of the Season by fans, becoming a vital component in Pereira’s system and, possibly, now their most valuable player following the sales of Cunha and Ait-Nouri. Alongside Gomes is 23-year-old Andre, who transferred from Fluminense for £21m last summer and earned the admiration of supporters.
A high-profile signing could yet elevate the Wolves midfield to the next level, as Atletico Madrid star Conor Gallagher has been linked with a sensational £43m move to Molineux.
Gallagher impressed in his first season in Spain, but the West Midlands club would eagerly seize the opportunity to bring the England international back to the Premier League. If he arrives, the 25-year-old could start beside Andre in the base of midfield, potentially allowing Gomes to play slightly higher up in attacking midfield.
Ligue 1 gem arrives to bolster attack:
If Gomes is to occupy one of the two spots behind the striker, where he may alternate with Marshall Munetsi, Pereira still faces the tough task of replacing iconic figure Cunha.
If rumors are accurate, they may already have the ideal candidate in the form of AS Monaco attacking midfielder Maghnes Akliouche. GiveMeSport report that Wolves have submitted a ‘concrete offer’ for the 23-year-old playmaker, who has drawn attention from major clubs across the continent.
Monaco may demand up to £59m for their prized asset, but Wolves must strive to negotiate a deal as Akliouche could be a game-changing addition.
Alongside Gallagher and fellow new signing Fer Lopez, who joined for £19m from Celta Vigo and would provide an excellent option from the bench, Akliouche could propel the Old Gold to the next level.
Leading the attack, of course, will be Jorgen Strand Larsen, who has now signed a permanent £23m deal from Celta Vigo after an outstanding first campaign on loan with Wanderers. If the rest of the club’s recent transfer rumors prove correct, Wolves could field a starting XI capable of competing with the very best in 2025/26.