Semedo offered new deal as Dawson and Sarabia exits confirmedpublished at 17:55 6 June
17:55 6 June
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Wolves have announced their retained list and confirmed they have made a contract offer to captain Nelson Semedo.
The Portugal right-back's existing deal ends later this month.
Spanish midfielder Pablo Sarabia and defender Craig Dawson will leave the club when their contracts expire at the end of June.
Sarabia's exit was already known, while Dawson has not featured in the first team since December.
Who is the most important person at a football club?published at 11:42 6 June
11:42 6 June
Mike Taylor BBC Radio WM reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Until not so long ago, that might usually have felt like a pointless question.
Once appointed, the manager was assumed to have command - within the parameters, financial or otherwise, set by his employers, anyway. The manager set the tactical policies, enforced discipline, selected or at least had right of veto over new signings, and everyone on the football side of the club was therefore theoretically working to their plan.
It was the manager's way, or no way, until the day the board called their number.
The game moved on, at least at the higher levels. Perhaps the football department of a Premier League club is now just too big for one man to manage it all. For a while, replacing "manager" on the office door with "head coach" might have felt like an affectation, but now the head coach position often appears one of a suite of job titles given equal billing on a club's organisational chart.
As the head coach is the only one required to front up in public on a regular basis to account for his club's form, when they speak you can get a feeling about whether their stock is rising or falling internally. This may not indicate internal conflict. But it often indicates the degree of influence the head coach is about to have.
After hiring him to rescue the team from a perilous situation last December, it now seems that Wolves are ready to line up behind Vitor Pereira, making him first-among-equals on the football side, just as Nuno undoubtedly was when Wolves first drafted him in eight years ago.
The suggestion that the new technical director - not sporting director, spot the difference - will be a colleague of Pereira in his most recent job points to this.
The reshuffle has left Matt Hobbs without a seat, which could be considered a harsh verdict, depending where you start from. Over the past two years he was, at various times, praised for finding Gary O'Neil and blamed for finding Gary O'Neil. The signings in January that helped Pereira fix their season were on Hobbs' watch, and make for a positive final contribution.
Arguably, there were a few moments during his tenure as sporting director when Hobbs was the most important - or at least most influential - person at Wolves. But for now it seems the board have heard the supporters' praise for Pereira, read the room and fallen in behind him.
Wolves were embroiled in a relegation battle before Pereira took over to help them finish the season 17 points clear of the drop.
"What we are seeing now with Matt Hobbs' departure and the possible incoming of a technical director and a bit of restructuring around the club is that Pereira's voice will be heard more so than recent managers," Phillips told BBC WM.
"The role of sporting director won't exist in the current shape. There's talk of a technical director could be coming in, Domenico Teti has been mentioned, having worked with Vito Pereira at Al-Shabab.
"There's also an increased role for Matt Jackson from his current remit. So, there is a little reshuffle going on, and I expect Wolves to be more fluid.
"The past two years have had a slight sense of waste about them. Wolves have been on the back foot, behind the eight-ball, and then spent time trying to recover positions. But it would be nice to think that you could have a starting block where the squad would be in good shape at the start of the season, rather than maybe bringing in players in the mid-season transfer window and desperately trying to avoid relegation battle."
'A football club should never be led by just one or two players'published at 08:58 5 June
08:58 5 June
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We asked for your questions for BBC Sport pundit Nedum Onuoha on your Premier League club.
Idris asked how Nedum thinks Wolves will cope without Matheus Cunha and possibly Rayan Ait-Nouri.
Cunha may have joined Manchester United, and Ait-Nouri looks set to join him in Manchester at City, but I think Wolves will be fine.
This is not to diminish the quality of those two players, but football finds ways to move on and the recruitment possibilities the club will have with the money they would bring in for those two could again help redesign the team in the way the manager wants.
We saw a really good version of Wolves in that second half of last season under Vitor Pereira in the way he made them tougher to play against and still kept them as an exciting side.
But they will still definitely be able to overcome these exits. If you lose your starters it should not mean the end of days for your side.
They will be fine - but what "fine" means exactly, I'm not sure. I think Pereira is going to be someone who is hugely ambitious going forward, otherwise the Wolves hierarchy would not have bought him. I think, as a minimum, they will not be in danger of relegation.
Cunha and Ait-Nouri have been really good servants for the team in terms of what has been needed in the past few years, but Wolves will always find a way.
There have been spells when those guys have not been available - especially Cunha when he was suspended towards the end of the campaign - and Wolves have been fine.
A football club should never be led by just one or two players and they very rarely are.
As Wolves did when Cunha was out, the manager adjusts his tactics. Both he and Ait-Nouri look vital when they are on the pitch, but the game looks different without them. It is not like they play with two players fewer.
Pereira has shown his tactical flexibility already in the absence of Cunha, and the results were very positive.
You will always appreciate having really talented players in your team. But Wolves are adaptable and offer different approaches, which means - more often than not - they will be fine regardless of whoever is in or out.
Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Nat Hayward
Wolves eye new technical director in leadership overhaul published at 11:48 4 June
11:48 4 June
Sami Mokbel Senior football correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
Wolves are in talks with former Sampdoria technical director Domenico Teti about taking a top position in a restructured leadership team at Molineux this summer.
The Italian, who worked alongside Wolves head coach Vitor Pereira at Saudi Pro League's Al-Shabab in 2024, has emerged as a serious candidate for a position at the Premier League side.
Discussions are under way and understood to be progressing positively. A full agreement is yet to be struck but there is hope a deal, which would be subject to a successful visa application, is close.
Current Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs' position is thought to be under threat as a result of Teti's possible arrival and the planned restructure.
It is understood if Hobbs leaves and Teti agrees to join, the latter would be a technical director rather than hold the title of sporting director.
Wolves were dragged into a relegation fight last season but the appointment of Vitor Pereira in December as new head coach following the sacking of Gary O'Neil saw the club comfortably avoid the drop.
It remains to be seen whether Pereira is handed greater influence in terms of recruitment this summer.
Teti, 48, has worked across a number of clubs in Europe in an executive recruitment capacity, including at Apoel Nicosia, Sampdoria, Novara and Hellas Verona.
He is a free agent after leaving Al-Shabab last year.
'Picture still bright at Wolves despite key departures'published at 12:03 3 June
12:03 3 June
Nick Mashiter BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Wolves may lose two key players this summer but the picture can still be positive.
Should Rayan Ait-Nouri leave Molineux, and all inductions suggest he will with Manchester City ready to move, the club will be close to banking £100m.
He is expected to follow Matheus Cunha out after his £62.5m transfer to Manchester United was agreed over the weekend.
There is no suggestion of what Vitor Pereira will have to reinvest but he will still have additional cash and, crucially, time to reshape his squad.
There is also no expectation all of the cash will be reinvested but that is the current Wolves model - they will also not spend fortunes replacing any departures.
It is likely Cunha, at £44m when he made his loan from Atletico Madrid permanent two years ago, will be their biggest outlay for some time.
Winter window signing Emmanuel Agbadou and Marshall Munetsi - both about £16m - feel more realistic fees for Wolves.
Pereira's predecessors Gary O'Neil and Julen Lopetegui both felt they did not get - or were not going to get - enough backing during the two previous summers, but Wolves are now in an advantageous position with a manager who has ingrained himself into the club and city.
A right-back is still high on the priority list, with Nelson Semedo still mulling over a contract offer and not certain to stay.
But, despite concerns over losing players, there needs to be a sense of opportunity around Molineux this summer.
'Wolves' future success depends on wise recruitment this summer'published at 08:32 3 June
08:32 3 June
Dazzling Dave Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Wolves are entering a defining summer transfer window, with several key players nearing the end of their contracts or attracting interest from Europe's top clubs.
This could make Wolves one of the most active Premier League teams this offseason.
The future of other forwards - like Gonçalo Guedes and Hwang Hee-chan - is unclear, and with Pablo Sarabia already gone, strengthening the forward line is a must.
Wolves cannot afford to gamble on untested players or projects. The club needs experienced, 'oven-ready' signings who can contribute immediately - not just talent with potential.
At wing-back, questions persist. Nelson Semedo's contract is unresolved, Ait-Nouri is wanted by leading clubs, and while Hugo Bueno and Rodrigo Gomes show promise, neither has enough Premier League experience.
Manager Vitor Pereira's preference for physically strong, one-on-one capable players will shape Wolves' search strategy this summer.
Fortunately, Wolves are well-equipped in central defence and midfield. The duo of Andre and Joao Gomes must remain untouchable, as they are vital to the team's balance and progression.
Leadership is another pressing concern. With the possible exit of senior figures, including the captain, Wolves risk losing valuable dressing-room experience.
Past seasons have exposed the drawbacks of lacking strong leaders - especially during tough stretches - so the club must prioritise recruiting players with a track record of leadership and resilience.
While excitement about fresh signings is natural, too much squad upheaval brings risks. Major changes can disrupt team unity and make it tougher for new players to settle - both into the style of play and daily life in Wolverhampton.
Wolves' future success depends on wise recruitment: replacing lost creativity, bringing in immediate-impact players, and adding proven leaders who can guide the team.
'It's a big gamble' - fans on potentially losing Ait-Nouri as well as Cunhapublished at 08:28 3 June
08:28 3 June
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We asked how you feel about the possibility of Wolves losing both Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri in this transfer window. What impact could that have on the side? Could they can be replaced?
Here are some of your comments:
Dave: I find it highly frightening. This team could handle the loss of Cunha but Ait-Nouri as well, I don't know. It will be a challenge to replace their directness and talent.
Jack: It was always going to happen, as it does every year. The two rumoured names are on their way out and it is better to get it done sooner rather than later to give us time to replace. As always, there is a lack of trust that the money will be put to good use, but hopefully it will allow us to bring in the players we require for our latest rebuild - a right-back, centre-back, midfielder and some attacking options. Let's back Vitor and see where we end up.
Mike: It is only worrying if Fosun does not allow the manager to replace them. If we don't replace them, next season could well be a disaster even with the excellent Pereira in charge. Quality players must be replaced with quality.
Richard: We have had a long time to accept Cunha leaving and I suspect Wolves fans have come to accept we are a selling club. Ait-Nouri is incredibly skilful. He has just had his best season at Wolves but he has also been quite frustrating. I would rather he stayed, though. Losing both means losing all of the creativity. I think Wolves will cash in and recall Hugo Bueno. Wolves don't buy Premier League experience so expect moderate expenditure on purchases from abroad. Then hope to sell on at a profit. Rinse, repeat. Another season of struggle.
Tommy: It is a big gamble after such a difficult season to sell our two best players. I assume Fosun is not going to gamble our Premier League status without a back-up plan. Brighton and Brentford for example have seen some of their best players leave but always seem to find new gems to keep the club progressing. One huge positive is the swiftness of business of these players out of the door. If we can act quickly with incomings rather than scrambling last minute for signings, this could be a very good summer.
James: Sure, it is worrying to lose your best players. But that is the nature of the league. Players want to play for the best teams. Wolves are seen as a stepping stone. C'est la vie.
Guy: I'm more concerned about losing Ait-Nouri than Cunha. Cunha's discipline is an issue and his suspension saw other players stepping up. I would rather have the £62m than an unreliable player (and I hope that these funds will be available over the summer). Wolves, like many others, are effectively feeder clubs for the big teams. They, in turn, need to nurture the talent that they can attract.
Will: Cunha leaving has been inevitable for a number of months and the team showed they can cope without him with the winning run they put together. Losing Nelson Semedo and Ait-Nouri would be more concerning than the loss of Cunha, though, as they are key in our way of playing.
Ask our pundit - send in your questionspublished at 19:51 2 June
19:51 2 June
BBC Sport pundit Nedum Onuoha has given us his insight and opinion every fortnight on your Premier League club throughout this season.
But this week, he's in the hotseat for your questions.
Maybe ask him who should be on your club's radar this summer, or where a rumoured target or new signing might fit into the team.
Perhaps see what he thinks about how successful a new recruit might be, who it is vital to keep, or what is needed to make next season a success.
How worrying is potential double exit for Wolves? Send us your thoughtspublished at 15:05 2 June
15:05 2 June
Having already seen star forward Matheus Cunha head for the Molineux exit after a £62.5m deal was agreed with Manchester United, Wolves could be set to lose another of their creative forces.
News of a potential deal could be cause for concern for fans and Wolves boss Vitor Pereira with the 23-year-old stepping up last season to become one of the side's key players going forward.
In the Premier League last season, Ait-Nouri scored four goals and provided seven assists in his 37 games.
If that is combined with Cunha's 21 goals and assists, between the two players they were responsible for 32 goal contributions in a total of 70 appearances.
In fact, across their time with he club, Cunha and Ait-Nouri have contributed a total of 62 goals.
Brazil international Cunha has 29 goals and 13 assists in 82 games, while Ait-Nouri, who initially joined on loan in 2020, has nine goals and 11 assists in his 135 matches.
So, how do you feel about the possibility of losing both players this window? What impact could it have on the side? Can they be replaced?
Will Pereira stay in charge? Transfer window Q&Apublished at 14:08 2 June
14:08 2 June
Image source, Getty Images
BBC Sport chief football news reporter Simon Stone has been answering your questions about the summer transfer window.
Jamie asked: Just looking ahead to next season and some noise about it (potentially) being a busy window for us. Just wondering what Simon's take on our current position is and what sort of business we could realistically be expecting this summer? Additionally do you think someone will try to poach Vitor Pereira away from us?
Simon answered: I think it has the potential to be a busy summer. As usual, Jeff Shi will be trying to balance the books while putting a competitive team on the field.
The news around Ait-Nouri and Manchester City is to be expected and coming off the back of Matheus Cunha's exit, does weaken Vitor Pereira's squad. Clearly, Wolves have been here before in the last few seasons and have always managed to find a solution. They will believe they have have the answers again this summer. But it always feels a delicate balance. Vitor Pereira will know this and be prepared for it. He seems very committed to the club and its fans so I don't expect him to be looking elsewhere just yet.
Will the wing-back duo remain at Molineux?published at 12:41 2 June
12:41 2 June
Image source, Getty Images
BBC Sport football news reporter Nick Mashiter is answering your questions on the summer transfer window.
Nick asked: What is the likelihood of Rayan Ait-Nouri leaving Wolves this summer? With Cunha gone, it would leave us bereft of two of our best players from a very poor season.
Nick answered: with Matheus Cunha's £62.5m move to Manchester United confirmed over the weekend, I can imagine Wolves fans are worried about who else may leave.
Ait-Nouri is a huge asset for Wolves and there will be interest, but the club will have planned for that, while they also want to offer the left-back a new contract.
They are in a strong position with Ait-Nouri having two years left on his contract so will be able to demand a good fee. Banking about £100m for Ait-Nouri and Cunha would represent good business.
But Wolves have priories elsewhere, with captain Nelson Semedo out of contract and the need to replace Cunha.
Right-back Semedo is considering a new offer from the club but possible interest from Galatasaray has been mentioned to me more than once over the past few months.
In terms of replacements, the days of Wolves spending big have gone, Cunha was the last huge expenditure when he made his loan permanent from Atletico Madrid for £44m two years ago, so they will have to be clever in the market.
Emmanuel Agbadou and Marshall Munetsi's arrivals in January show how they can do that.
Signings and sales- your transfer window prioritiespublished at 10:05 31 May
10:05 31 May
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for you to tell us what Wolves need to do in the summer transfer window.
Here are some of your comments:
John: Keeping Joao Gomes and Andre in the middle is vital. We need a more commanding goalkeeper, a replacement for Nelson Semedo if he goes, competition for Strand Larsen up front and a couple of players with pace to run off him as a minimum. If we do sell Cunha and Ait Nouri for decent fees and manage to offload some of the likes of Guedes, Silva, Hwang, Johnstone and Dawson, we should have the funds for a decent rebuild.
Jude: I think we need to sign Diogo Jota as we will need a good centre-forward to replace Matheus Cunha. On the other hand, we need to get rid of Boubacar Traore as he is quite weak in midfield.
Robin: We need to ship out Guedes, he's tried but fallen short. Hwang is borderline! I'd still like to give Fabio Silva a try out alongside Strand Larsen, but bring in another hungry, young striker. Hugo Bueno must be brought back to compete with Ait-Nouri and we could do with one more solid young defender and someone to replace Cunha - although that's a big ask!
Mark: Wolves need a decent goal poacher - we create so much but lack a finisher. An attacking midfielder and one more strong defender. All will hang on Fosun backing our great manager now. Need to seize this opportunity.
Simon: With Cunha and Sarabia both leaving, we will be losing a big proportion of our goals and assists from this season. So they will both need to be replaced with at least one senior number 10, and one young prospect. Wing-backs, which are pivotal to our system, could go from being very well covered with Ait Nouri and Semedo, to a significant concern, with only up and coming young players to replace them, so at least one senior wing-back will be needed.
Thank you for your feedbackpublished at 09:14 31 May
09:14 31 May
Thank you for the feedback you submitted on the Premier League club pages.
Our aim is to contain all of the BBC's in-depth coverage of that team in one place, so it helpful to hear from you - you are who the pages are for after all.
We are going through all your responses and will take suggestions on board for next season.
What needs to happen in the transfer window?published at 12:13 30 May
12:13 30 May
Image source, Getty Images
The transfer window opens on Sunday - albeit for 10 days initially, mainly so sides competing in the Club World Cup can get early business done - before reopening for the rest of the summer on 16 June.
Are there certain players you are desperate for Wolves to sign, or an area of the squad that needs improving? Or maybe holding on to a key player is your biggest priority.
And what about sales - who needs to go?
So over to you... what names need bringing in and shipping out?
Rob: Dazzling Dave has given a good synopsis of Wolves 2024-25 season. Fosun persisted with Gary O'Neil for a few games longer than was sensible given the poor run of performances, let alone results. Big change coming for next season with probably four first-team regulars departing, plus hopefully some decent money for Fabio Silva. An important close season and hopefully a mid-table finish next term if transfer funds are carefully spent to secure some good quality replacements.
Kieran: Appointing Vitor Pereira was a great choice. Unknown manager when we appointed him but he has done a great job. If we back him we can go places.
Keri: Wolves can push on if the owners put their money where their mouth is and allow Vitor to strengthen the squad. Selling our best players has become the norm and sufficient funds for new signings has been lacking.
Noah: Even though players like Larsen, Andre, Cunha and Gomes have been brilliant, Pereira has been our saviour. He turned the team around and we would have been relegated without him.
BG: Pereira has done well - we were going down under O'Neil. The good run of six wins saved us, but they were all against poor teams. In Pereira's time we didn't get near Chelsea,Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, and went for damage limitation against Arsenal and Manchester City, so how are we going to be better than bottom six next year? The fans say back Periera but will Fosun do so?
Points and pints during a season split in twopublished at 15:38 29 May
15:38 29 May
Nick Mashiter BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
First the points, then the pints.
It is unlikely Vitor Pereira thought his words during a normal pre-match press conference would resonate so much with the Wolves fans.
The head coach has ingrained himself into not only the club but the city, joining supporters in the city's Wetherspoons after victories.
Naturally it helps the Portuguese has taken the side from the bottom three in December to finishing 16th and 17 points above the relegation zone after replacing Gary O'Neil.
The first half fell apart, injuries and a tough opening 10 games played their part in O'Neil's downfall but the squad was always good enough to survive.
Pereira proved that comfortably and a six-game winning run in March and April sealed safety and was their best top flight streak since 1970.
The early season struggles were forgotten and Wolves will look to build on the unity Pereira has fostered.
Although Matheus Cunha's impending £62.5m move to Manchester United leaves a hole in the squad and they must look to reinvest for a suitable replacement.
The days of huge spending are over at Molineux so a £50m replacement it is unlikely but the club cannot allow the momentum Pereira has provided to disappear if they are to further improve next term.
What was your Wolves moment of the season?published at 12:14 29 May
12:14 29 May
Mike Taylor BBC Radio WM reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Some moments are turning points for a season or a club - others just feel like it at the time.
This incident belongs in the latter group, but in a way it totally represents the wild swings of a difficult season.
By late October, despite leading for long spells against Newcastle, Villa and Manchester City, Wolves had only accrued one point.
With time running out at Brighton, it seemed certain to stay that way until Tommy Doyle found four Albion players running towards him in the final seconds, and only Jose Sa behind him.
"I think it can be just as difficult for the guy with four players as it is for one," he said modestly afterwards, "because you're expected to make a pass. So there's obviously an element of guessing...".
Perhaps his interception was a touch of fortune. His next, a perfectly-weighted curving pass that released Matheus Cunha to score, was a touch of genius.
We drove home wondering if that moment had rescued Wolves' season, and with it, boss Gary O'Neil. Looking back now, it has proved to be just a ripple in a season of strong tides.
Indeed, by August, all involved may have moved on - O'Neil left before Christmas, Cunha seems likely to go soon, while Doyle's ability is admired but not accommodated by current manager Vitor Pereira.
So Doyle's 'Last Stand' will be a memory - not a milestone - but one to still remember next time it seems all hope is lost.
When will the 2025-26 Premier League fixtures be released? published at 08:21 29 May
08:21 29 May
Image source, Getty Images
The BBC's Ask Me Anything team have done all of the research ahead of the announcement detailing next season's Premier League matches.
The fixtures for the 2025-26 season will be released at 09:00 BST on Wednesday,18 June 2025 and the release will include the weekly schedule of all 380 matches.
The season will begin with a single fixture played on Friday, 15 August 2025 and conclude on Sunday, 24 May 2026, when all matches will be played at 16:00 BST. There will be 33 weekend rounds of fixtures, plus five midweek rounds.
The exact date and time at which individual matches are played during each weekend will be determined at regular intervals throughout the season, based on TV selections made by broadcasters.
Who were the fastest and slowest players in the Premier League?published at 15:43 28 May
15:43 28 May
Chris Collinson BBC Sport statistician
Speed has become such a defining aspect of Premier League football for years now. Whether it's lightning-quick wingers tearing down the flanks or centre-backs chasing down counterattacks, speed can be the difference between winning and losing.
With that in mind, let's have a look at the fastest players in the Premier League this season.
Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van de Ven was the fastest player in the top-flight during this campaign, reaching a top speed of 23.1 miles per hour
Manchester City midfielder-turned-right-back Matheus Nunes was the second-fastest, just ahead of Nottingham Forest's speed merchant Anthony Elanga.
Not only does Bryan Mbeumo run a lot and sprint a lot, he's fast too…the whole package!
As for the slowest players, the above data looks at outfield players that racked up at least 10 full games' worth of minutes – to give them a chance to build up some steam.
In that metric, Wolves' 35-year-old defender Craig Dawson was the slowest player, reaching a top speed of 18.4 miles per hour.
Manchester City's Bernardo Silva and West Ham's Tomas Soucek may be among the slowest players, but they were also two of the hardest runners - covering over seven miles per 90 minutes - which shows they were built for stamina over speed.
Image source, Getty Images
