Football finance expert Rob Wilson tells The Football News Show why, if permanently introduced, it could make the top Premier League sides less competitive against their European counterparts.
O'Neil would never risk damaging unity built at Wolvespublished at 18:32 23 August
18:32 23 August
Nick Mashiter BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Reuters
Gary O'Neil refused to give much away as Wolves plot their way through the last days of the transfer window.
There may be frustration spending will be limited before the deadline but he was not showing it at their Compton training ground, speaking ahead of Sunday's visit of Chelsea.
Former boss Julen Lopetegui ultimately left Wolves last summer - paving the way for O'Neil's arrival - because of disagreements over the amount of backing he was going to be given.
O'Neil has fostered a togetherness at Wolves since joining on the eve of last season and harming that unity by publicly criticising the club would be at odds with his temperament and what he has built at Molineux.
The head coach said last week the rewards are greater when you have to work harder to achieve them and Wolves are likely to need to work smartly next week.
He declined to comment on the interest in Dara O'Shea and Aaron Ramsdale but remained hopeful there would be arrivals before the 30 August deadline, while it is understood Wolves would like a winger as a replacement for the departed Pedro Neto.
Though it is no secret Wolves like those two players - and former West Bromwich Albion centre-back O'Shea is keen on a Molineux move - it will come down to their price tags.
O'Neil hopeful of signings before deadline daypublished at 15:58 23 August
15:58 23 August
Nick Mashiter BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Wolves boss Gary O'Neil remains hopeful of bringing in new recruits before the transfer deadline.
Burnley defender Dara O'Shea and Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale remain targets but any deals are likely to drag into next week.
Wolves are yet to meet Burnley's £15m asking price for O'Shea, while Arsenal prefer a straight sale, rather than the initial loan that was tabled.
The club would also like to bring in a winger to replace Pedro Neto, after his £54m move to Chelsea, before the 31 August deadline.
"We're trying to do stuff. It's been busy since the window opened for the recruitment team," said O'Neil before Sunday's visit of Chelsea.
"I would expect the next week to be busy in the world of football, there seems to be a lot of clubs trying to do stuff.
"Individual names and rumours, I'm not interested in. We are working hard to do some stuff which we think will help us.
"The important thing is the valuation of the player correct for us? It'll be key for us in terms of what we can and can't do in the next seven days.
"We can do stuff, definitely, it just needs to fit properly for the team and club. I've not heard any [budget] figure in any of my meetings and discussions."
O'Neil on transfer latest, team news and Chelsea published at 13:48 23 August
13:48 23 August
Holly Bacon BBC Sport journalist
Wolves boss Gary O'Neil has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Chelsea (kick-off 14:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
O'Neil stressed that the transfer window is more about finding players that fit "football-wise and financially" than anything else. He said: "I've obviously seen some of the noise. I do try to stay away from the noise when I can. There's not really a financial limit, it is more 'are players valuations right?' We can do stuff definitely between now and the end of the window, it just needs to fit for the team and the football club."
He added: "Some of the figures and things you'll hear banded around, I have not heard any figure in any of my meetings or discussions. It's more 'can we find things that fit football-wise and financially' than a set budget."
On team news: "No [new issues], we're fine. Matheus Cunha is fine so he'll be able for more minutes. Boubacar Traore has done an extra week's training so he's in a better spot. Everybody else is ok I think, so we are as we were."
He was asked if the job feels different now, compared to when he was appointed 12 months ago: "I still feel like we're running. We're running as hard as we can to push forward. I'm exactly as driven as I was the day I walked in and the group is the same, there's a real hunger within the group."
On how difficult it could be, as a coach, to deal with 40-plus players like Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, O'Neil said: "I'm not sure how many he's dealing with day to day but you can see Chelsea Football Club are still in a transition and they are still trying to sort a few bits out. That doesn't mean they can't be successful whilst they are in that transition. The amount of talent they have, they have a top coach as well so they still have every right and chance of finishing very high up the league. Of course there are things that go on behind that can have an impact."
PFA concerned at PSR's 'unintended consequences'published at 12:25 23 August
12:25 23 August
Media caption,
Maheta Molango, chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association tells The Football News Show why he is concerned at the current and potential future financial rules in the Premier League.
Wolves hopeful of new arrivals in final week of windowpublished at 11:45 23 August
11:45 23 August
Nick Mashiter BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
While Wolves are not expected to throw money around in the final week of the transfer window, they remain hopeful of adding to their squad.
It is likely to dominate Gary O'Neil's press conference ahead of Sunday's visit of Chelsea - and a quick return for Pedro Neto following his £54m move to Stamford Bridge this month.
Wolves have signed Rodrigo Gomes and Pedro Lima for more than £20m, while also making Tommy Doyle's loan from Manchester City permanent. There is also the expected £23m outlay on striker Jorgen Strand Larsen once he makes his initial loan from Celta Vigo permanent.
So there has been money spent and they are willing to spend more, just not at the level some would have hoped for having brought in almost £100m, when Max Kilman's £40m move to West Ham is factored in.
The pursuits of Burnley defender Dara O'Shea and Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale are likely to go into the final week of the window.
O'Shea wants to move to Molineux, allowing him to return to the West Midlands having spent seven years at rivals West Bromwich Albion.
The Clarets are not budging on their £15m valuation of the centre-back, with Wolves so far offering £13m, while the Gunners want to sell Ramsdale, rather than the initial loan Wolves have offered.
O'Shea favouring Wolves movepublished at 19:03 22 August
19:03 22 August
Nick Mashiter and Shamoon Hafez BBC Sport football news reporters
Image source, Getty Images
Burnley are holding firm on their £15m valuation of defender Dara O'Shea - with the defender favouring a move to Wolves.
The 25-year-old is eager to make the switch to Molineux - returning to the West Midlands having previously played for bitter rivals West Bromwich Albion - but Wolves are yet to meet the Clarets' asking price.
They have offered around £13m for the centre-back but, with Brentford having previously bid £15m, that remains the asking price.
The Bees have signed Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg in a deal believed to be in the region of £25m, leaving their position on O'Shea unclear.
Any deal for O'Shea is not imminent and is likely to go into the last week of the transfer window.
O'Shea has made 39 appearances and scored five goals for Burnley since moving from Albion last summer. He scored in the Clarets' 4-1 Championship opening day win at Luton and also played in their 5-0 victory over Cardiff.
Wolves are in the market for a new centre-back having sold Max Kilman to West Ham for £40m but boss Gary O'Neil's spending power is restricted.
He is not expected to be able to make many signings before the closure of the window next Friday, despite also selling Pedro Neto to Chelsea in a deal worth £54m.
Wolves have made a loan offer, with an obligation to buy, for Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale but the Gunners would prefer a straight sale. Any deal is also likely to go into the final week of the window.
Hoever signs new deal and heads out on loanpublished at 14:50 21 August
14:50 21 August
Image source, Getty Images
Wolves defender Ki-Jana Hoever has signed a contract extension with the Premier League club and will spend the 2024-25 season on loan at French top-flight side Auxerre.
The 22-year-old joined Wolves from Liverpool in 2020 and has spent the past 18 months on loan at Stoke City, for whom he made 44 appearances last season.
Matt Jackson, Wolves' head of professional football development, told the club website:, external "Ki has developed on his previous loans and he's maturing all the time. He's been very good during pre-season with Gary [O'Neil] and his staff, but we just feel a different challenge in France will be best for his own personal development.
"He showed with Stoke that he has the ability to really affect the Championship, but what he's got to do now is progress even further and take his game to the next level in one of the top five leagues in Europe."
Wolves v Chelsea - did you know?published at 14:43 21 August
14:43 21 August
Image source, Getty Images
Wolves have lost six out of their nine Premier League home games so far in 2024 (won three), with no side losing more.
They only lost four out of their 20 league games at Molineux in the whole of 2023.
Gossip: Wolves interested in Burnley defender O'Sheapublished at 07:31 21 August
07:31 21 August
Wolves and Brentford are keen on Burnley defender Dara O'Shea, 25, but they must pay £15m to sign the Republic of Ireland international. (Mirror), external
Wolves rival Brentford for Burnley's O'Sheapublished at 15:26 20 August
15:26 20 August
Nick Mashiter BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Wolves want to beat Brentford to Burnley defender Dara O'Shea.
A centre-back is a priority for the club having sold captain to Max Kilman to West Ham for £40m.
But Gary O'Neil's spending power is restricted despite also selling Pedro Neto to Chelsea in a deal worth £54m.
O'Shea came through the ranks at Wolves' bitter rivals West Bromwich Albion and made 107 appearances for the Baggies.
The 25-year-old joined Burnley last summer but was unable to help keep them in the Premier League. O'Shea has played in the Clarets' opening two Championship games, scoring in the 4-1 win at Luton.
'An upgrade on Sa' or would Ramsdale 'sit on bench at Wolves too'?published at 15:19 20 August
15:19 20 August
We asked for your thoughts on the news Wolves have made a bid to sign Arsenal and England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on loan with an option to buy.
Here are some of your responses:
Murray: Ramsdale is an upgrade on Sa, whose distribution (essential if a team wants to play out from the back) is woeful. He is also indecisive coming for crosses, evident for Arsenal's first goal on Saturday. If Sa goes to Saudi then Wolves still have a problem, as neither of the back-up keepers are good enough for the Premier League.
Mark: Not sure if Ramsdale would want to join Wolves unless guaranteed first choice. Think he needs to move on from Arsenal, so would be a good signing. Other positions are arguably more of a priority; centre-back, wide player and another full-back. But, with limited funds seemingly available, tough decisions need to be made.
Trevor: Wouldn't be my top priority. Definitely a centre-half and probably another striker option would seem more urgent after the Arsenal performance.
Brian: Don't see a goalkeeper as an urgent need. A centre-back or a goalscorer seems the priority to me as replacements for Kilman and Neto. Ramsdale won't greatly benefit us this term.
Joe: I don't understand this move at all. He's an Albion fan and he sits on the bench every week. He's also going to be expensive wage-wise and I'd rather us fill some other positions. Unless there is a big bid coming in for Jose Sa, Ramsdale is only going to sit on the bench at Wolves too.
Mike: Sa is a shot-stopper only with no other qualities that are needed in modern football. He lacks distribution and footwork qualities and is not strong enough to attack forwards in set-piece situations. Ramsdale would be an excellent replacement, especially if a loan agreement could be made.
'Promising additions and encouraging signs'published at 12:49 20 August
12:49 20 August
Dazzling Dave Fan writer
When chances are missed, teams like Arsenal will not hesitate to make you pay, and that is exactly what happened. Simply glancing at the score or watching the highlights does not truly capture the match from Wolves' perspective.
Wolves are undergoing changes, trying out a new formation, introducing a fresh centre-back partnership, and giving three players their Premier League debuts. Yet, there were encouraging signs.
Rather than a complete overhaul, these changes represent a progression. Wolves have switched to a back four, with Toti and Yerson Mosquera selected as Gary O’Neil's main men at the back.
Despite Toti's year of Premier League experience, he appeared more uneasy and unsettled. Conversely, newcomer Mosquera showed composure, assertiveness and aggression, qualities that have been lacking in Wolves' defence for some time. Mosquera's approach is anything but timid and he is destined to be a fan favourite.
Switching to a back four is not our only change. We are playing out from the back more often, are more aggressive in and out of possession and are pressing higher.
While previous managers struggled with this formation, I am confident Gary will succeed - but I expect his new tactics will take time to refine.
There were two more debutants in Jorgen Strand Larsen and Rodrigo Gomes, and both look like canny purchases.
Although Rodrigo is not an oven-ready replacement for Pedro Neto, he was willing to take on defenders and I'm looking forward to seeing him grow.
New striker Strand Larsen was only denied a debut goal by the brilliance of Arsenal keeper David Raya, who pulled off a remarkable save. Rodrigo, Jorgen and Yerson are all promising additions to the squad.
Finally, the Emirates crowd was pretty quiet for about 20 minutes in the second half and that is quite an achievement, so I will count that as a success.
Wolves make Ramsdale move - what do you think?published at 09:12 20 August
09:12 20 August
We want your views on the news Wolverhampton Wanderers have made a bid to sign Arsenal and England keeper Aaron Ramsdale on loan with an option to buy.
Jose Sa has been first choice at Molineux since joining the club in 2021 from Olympiakos.
Would Ramsdale be an upgrade? Is the goalkeeping position a priority for Wolves to strengthen?
Podence attracting interest from Saudi Arabiapublished at 16:02 19 August
16:02 19 August
Nick Mashiter BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab are interested in Wolves forward Daniel Podence.
There has been no bid for the 28-year-old yet but the Portugal international could leave Molineux before the end of the transfer window.
Wolves remain relaxed over the situation and would be happy to keep Podence, especially after selling Pedro Neto to Chelsea for £54m. It is understood, though, if Al-Shabab, or another club, offered £10m then they would be likely to sell.
Al-Shabab have former Atletico Madrid star Yannick Carrasco and Italy international Giacomo Bonaventura in their squad.
Podence joined Wolves from Olympiakos in January 2020 and has made 106 appearances, scoring 16 goals.
He returned to Olympiakos on loan last season, scoring 15 times in 45 games.
Wolves keen on Wissa but Bees have made position clear published at 12:41 19 August
12:41 19 August
Nick Mashiter BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Wolves have already been told by Brentford they do not want to sell Yoane Wissa.
The Bees had made their stance clear before the forward scored the winner in the Sunday's 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace.
With the possibility Ivan Toney could leave the Gtech Community Stadium Brentford boss Thomas Frank said after the Palace win he wants Wissa to stay.
Wolves are looking for reinforcements after selling Pedro Neto to Chelsea - who come to Molineux on Sunday - for £54m and Wissa is on the list.
The 27-year-old has been at Brentford since joining from Lorient in 2021 and has scored 30 goals in 111 appearances.
Wolves boss Gary O'Neil does not have a pot of gold to spend and a centre-back to replace Max Kilman, after his £40m move to West Ham, is likely to be the priority.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves - the fans' verdictpublished at 12:38 19 August
12:38 19 August
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Arsenal and Wolves.
Here are some of your comments:
Arsenal fans
Chris: Typical early season game. Arsenal looked good but with plenty of room for improvement. I don’t believe Zinchenko should start. He makes too many mistakes and is not a top defender. We have plenty of options!
Vince: It was less comfortable than the media reports say. Raya had to pull off at least two good saves that were nearly certain goals. Haaland or Salah, for example, would have scored. Timber's appearance provided some timely spark to Arsenal’s play - credit to Arteta for seeing how much they needed that. I can't wait to see more of him.
May: My first ever game! Great atmosphere and I loved every minute. I thought Saka was outstanding and that long-range shot was unbelievable. Hope we can win the title this year. COYG!
Wolves fans
Mike: The result was as expected I thought Sa should have done better with the first goal. We were unfortunate that Raya made an excellent save from Larsen and the second goal came following a sustained spell of pressure from Wolves. The second half performance was much better and gives us something to build on.
Paul: While not expecting a positive result, the outcome was still disappointing. The performance indicated a much larger gap between Arsenal and Wolves than I would have expected. We were never really in the game. Early days but much improvement is essential - and quickly, otherwise we will be in a relegation battle for most of the season.
Steve: We look like a Championship side with Championship manager.
Catch up on the Premier League actionpublished at 11:09 18 August
11:09 18 August
Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's six Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from Friday's game between Manchester United and Fulham.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves: O'Neil's hard-working side miss attacking bitepublished at 18:50 17 August
18:50 17 August
Steven Sutcliffe BBC Sport Journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Jorgen Strand Larsen had arguably Wolves' best opportunity to score at Arsenal
While Wolves handed debuts to new signings Jorgen Strand Larsen and Rodrigo Gomes, on this performance it appears obvious that boss Gary O'Neil will need to strengthen his squad before the summer transfer window closes on Friday, 30 August.
With Pedro Neto having departed for Chelsea, at times there was no obvious attacking outlet.
The visitors largely played the role of well-behaved guests at Emirates Stadium, enjoying their fair share of possession but without offering any significant threat going forward.
Norway international Strand Larsen's one effort on goal produced an excellent save from Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya but the visitors rarely looked capable of scoring.
O'Neil will need to address that issue quickly to ensure they are to remain out of trouble this season.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves: What O'Neil saidpublished at 17:43 17 August
17:43 17 August
Image source, Getty Images
Gary O'Neil spoke to BBC Sport after Wolves' defeat against Arsenal: "I thought we were good. I was pleased. I obviously don't like losing but we gave Arsenal a tough game. We restricted them to not too many chances.
"In terms of being in the game and having a chance I felt that, at 1-0 down I felt we were more likely than them.
"Pleased with what we were able to produce, but I've spoken to the players about the little details, especially against teams like Arsenal.
"They found two moments of quality and we just missed a couple of ours."
