Will Wolves start well after disappointing end to 2023-24?published at 07:47 16 August
07:47 16 August
Chris Collinson BBC Sport statistician
Wolves will hope to start the 2024-25 season showing the form that put them in the conversation for European competition for a large portion of last term.
Injuries - particularly in attacking areas - severely hampered them in their final 10 Premier League games, with only one win and five points to show for their efforts. They eventually finished 14th in the table.
If they are to start brightly this time around, they will have to do it the hard way - Opta suggests, external that Gary O'Neil's have the most difficult first 10 fixtures of any Premier League team.
'Still time to use transfer funds judiciously'published at 16:34 15 August
16:34 15 August
Mike Taylor BBC Radio WM reporter
Image source, PA Media
The 18,000 fans who watched Wolves' toothless performance against Rayo Vallecano last weel probably left disappointed, although not as much as their manager.
Gary O'Neil rejected all the platitudes about it being a friendly: "I didn't enjoy today... my least favourite game so far..."
O'Neil did concede, with a grin, that he can be a little pessimistic: "My staff are keen for me not to see all the negatives. They're trying to remind me that it has been a good pre-season."
But it may take a good result in a real game to clear away any nerves. It also gave him a reason to point out his squad requires investment before the transfer window ends. This is not news.
The sales of Pedro Neto and Maximilian Kilman helped Wolves recoup a substantial amount this summer.
"We made £100m this summer - we made £100m last summer," said O'Neil. "That does provide its challenges to keep a team staying competitive, and as strong as it was when it was competing for Europe."
But the situation this time is different.
Last year, the aim was to recoup money in order to limbo under the profit and sustainability bar - and every penny counted. This time, O'Neil has stressed that the money needs to be wisely re-invested, and Wolves have already signed some promising, mostly young, players. This pleases him, but he needs more.
"We've signed a lot of young players - hopefully we can sign a few that can help us here and now," he said. I'm really open with the club. We do need some that are ready now."
These thoughts should not raise the same alarms for fans as the complaints aired by O'Neil's predecessor Julen Lopetegui. After all, O'Neil has just signed a new contract, so when he says "we're all really aligned with what we want to do here", the proof is in writing.
The immediate value of the Neto and Kilman deals may not so much be the cash amount actually booked, as the timing. Much better to take the money now than in the window's final, frantic hours. There is time to use it judiciously.
But it will need to be spent in a way that returns value, not just in balance sheets several years hence, but on the field.
Now.
Listen to full commentary of Arsenal v Wolves at 15:00 BST on Saturday on BBC Radio WM, and tune into The West Midlands Football Phone-In from 18:00 on weeknights
Wolves reject Genoa approach for Silva published at 13:28 15 August
13:28 15 August
Nick Mashiter BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Wolves have rejected Genoa's loan bid for striker Fabio Silva.
The Serie A club's offer included an option to buy but it was turned down, although Wolves are keen to sell the forward.
Silva has failed to make an impact since moving for a then-record deal worth £35m from Porto in 2020 and has scored just five goals in 72 appearances.
He has spent time on loan at Anderlecht, PSV Eindhoven and Rangers. His most recent Wolves appearance came in the 2-1 defeat at Sheffield United in November, where he conceded a stoppage-time penalty.
In the second half of last season at Ibrox. he scored six goals in 25 appearances after joining in January.
Genoa, managed by former Italy striker Alberto Gilardino, finished 11th in Serie A last term and are looking to replace Albert Gudmundsson, who is expected to join Fiorentina.
Arsenal v Wolves - did you know?published at 11:50 15 August
11:50 15 August
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal have won each of their past six Premier League matches against Wolves, their joint-longest winning run against them in the competition.
Wolves have won just one of their past 13 league visits to Arsenal.
Is European football within Wolves' reach this season?published at 09:35 15 August
09:35 15 August
Our reporter Nick Mashiter will be covering Wolves up close this season.
Nick says: "Wolves under Gary O'Neil impressed last season, despite a wretched end to his first term in charge where they lost their FA Cup quarter-final to Coventry and dropped out of European contention.
"O'Neil ended his search for a number nine by signing Jorgen Strand Larsen from Celta Vigo and there will be hope that his squad can keep the pace in the race for Europe this time."
What do you think Wolves fans - is European football possible or a bridge too far?
Phil McNulty's predictions - Wolvespublished at 09:01 15 August
09:01 15 August
It's that time of the year again - the annual act of foolishness in which I try to predict the outcome of the 2024-25 season for all 20 Premier League clubs.
Wolves - 15th
Gary O'Neil did a first-class job after taking over at Molineux in turbulent circumstances just before the start of last season, following the departure of Julen Lopetegui.
The same again would be more than good enough after a quiet summer of incomings at Wolves so far.
Max Kilman and Pedro Neto are big losses, although the latter was often missing because of injury, so Wolves will rely heavily on O'Neil, who has just been rewarded for his work with a new four-year contract.
Tommy Doyle has made his move from Manchester City permanent after good season on loan, but Wolves will need to reinvest some of the money raked in for Kilman and Neto to keep O'Neil's side away from trouble and make sure this forecast comes to fruition.
This prediction leans heavily on more new signings and O'Neil's ability, but I think Wolves can avoid danger - and surely they will get a better deal from VAR this season.
New captain Lemina wants to 'progress as human being and leader'published at 07:55 15 August
07:55 15 August
Image source, Getty Images
New Wolves captain Mario Lemina has been speaking to BBC Sport's Nick Mashiter about how he hopes to prove himself in the role this season.
The 30-year-old lost his father in December and is eager for the captaincy to show the person behind the player.
"He would be really happy and proud of me," Lemina said of his father. "He knows me better than anyone else - he knows I've never been a bad guy. He knows I've been pushing really hard to clean my name."
"I’m not going to say I’ve done everything the right way because I was young and really emotional, but I’ve never been a bad guy or had a bad attitude.
"If I was to talk about my career a lot of people would think I had a bad attitude. It's never really been like that."
Wolves open the new Premier League season against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium and the Gabonese midfielder has put in the hours to make a positive start to the season.
"I'm working really hard," he said. "I'm really positive, I put myself second and I try to support everyone. That's what the club and the gaffer likes,"
"I'm stronger mentally and as a player I feel more comfortable and more confident. The players understand what I'm talking about with my experiences."
He said that after his father's passing he was not the same player as before and that Wolves boss Gary O'Neil wants him to return to his previous levels.
"I feel I'm ready," Lemina added. "I feel stronger mentally. I want to progress, even if I'm 30, as a human being, a leader and a person.
"I want people to be happy, to work hard and get the best memories ever. Football goes quickly."
Carabao Cup - who are you facing in second round?published at 22:31 14 August
22:31 14 August
Image source, Getty Images
The draw for the second round of the Carabao Cup has been made.
Here is the list of the ties - which are split into southern and northern sections - involving Premier League clubs:
Dig into the data - what will season deliver?published at 12:10 14 August
12:10 14 August
Chris Collinson BBC Sport football statistician
Wolves' stats from last season might look a bit underwhelming, but after crossing the magic 40-point mark in March, their numbers dropped significantly as they won just one of their final 10 games.
The side were ninth in the table and ranked in the top half for both goals scored and conceded when survival was secured, but only bottom club Sheffield United took fewer points after that - and only they and fellow relegated side Luton had a weaker goal difference.
Wolves also lost interest in hunting the ball in the run-in - winning it high up the pitch less often than any other side after previously ranking ninth.
Fans will hope they have got their appetite back ahead of the new season.
When is the Carabao Cup second-round draw?published at 11:54 14 August
11:54 14 August
Image source, Getty Images
The draw for the second round of the Carabao Cup will take place on Wednesday at the conclusion of the first-round tie between Leeds United and Middlesbrough.
Thirteen Premier League clubs will enter in the second round, as will Luton Town and Burnley, who were relegated from the top flight in 18th and 19th positions last season.
The draw for round two will be regionalised into northern and southern sections.
The seven Premier League clubs playing in European competitions in 2024-25, including Carabao Cup holders Liverpool, will come in at the third-round stage.
The key dates for the competition are as follows:
Second round - w/c 26 August
Third round - w/c 16 and w/c 23 September
Fourth round - w/c 28 October
Quarter-finals - w/c 16 December
Semi-finals - w/c 6 January (first leg) and w/c 3 February
Breakout star? It's season predictionspublished at 13:08 13 August
13:08 13 August
Dazzling Dave Fan writer
Where will you finish in the league and why?
Wolves supporters are buzzing, and it's been a while since we last witnessed this level of anticipation! Gary has Wolves’ purring nicely, we look like a team that could push on. I am predicting a top-10 finish and a push for a European spot.
Who is the best signing or has he not signed yet and who should it be?
On the whole, the friendlies have unveiled a new side to Wolves, with a higher pressing game and plenty of energy. With new recruits and returning players, the squad now looks much stronger. Yerson Mosquera seems a strong candidate to replace Max Kilman, although we will still need one more in this department.
Who will be the breakout star in your squad?
Portuguese winger Rodrigo Gomes is a savvy acquisition by Matt Hobbs. He shares many traits with Pedro Neto. Rodrigo is quick and skilled, similar to Neto, but perhaps more adaptable and comfortable on either wing. He's already scored a few goals in pre-season. He is definitely one to watch.
What do you want from your manager this season?
Gary O'Neil seems very happy at Wolves, and his newly extended contract provides the club with essential leadership stability. There has been talk of him for the England job, and rightly so. He has proven himself as a strong leader and smart strategist. Gary has managed the squad with skill, and seems to have rejuvenated many players returning from loan spells, if he continues in this vain then things look bright.
What is your one major concern?
Switching to a back four might make us more defensively exposed, but this doesn't overly concern me. Wolves have standout players highly regarded by other clubs. Keeping players like Joao Gomes and Rayan Ait-Nouri is crucial, as any last-minute departures on deadline day could ruin our season's prospects. Wolves aren't finished with their transfer dealings, and hopefully, some smart additions to the squad will improve our position compared to last season.
Bueno loan exit 'a situation that works for all'published at 09:38 13 August
09:38 13 August
Image source, Getty Images
Wolves left-back Hugo Bueno has joined Dutch top-flight club Feyenoord on a season-long loan.
Bueno, 21, struggled for regular first-team action last season because of the outstanding form of Rayan Ait-Nouri.
"It's a situation that works for all," said Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs. "Some people might think we're leaving ourselves short, but we've got a number of players who can cover in that area of the pitch and it's really important for us and Hugo that he goes and plays.
"Feyenoord are a club playing Champions League football, in a good league, are well known for developing players and have been great throughout. For us, it feels like the perfect club for him to go to develop and we're looking forward to seeing him develop over the next year.
"Rayan was unbelievable last year and Hugo was really understanding - he's a great pro, trains hard every day, works hard, and when players are like that, and we feel it's the right deal and right club, you want to it make happen."
Monday Night Club returns!published at 19:00 12 August
19:00 12 August
After a long summer break, BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club is back in action this evening.
Tune in as the panel cover all the major talking points from the summer and look ahead to Premier League football returning at the weekend.
'Hopefully we can sign a few that can help us here and now'published at 12:55 12 August
12:55 12 August
Image source, PA Media
Wolves manager Gary O'Neil is keen to use the funds from the sale of Pedro Neto to Chelsea to add Premier League experience and players who are "ready now" to his squad.
The club have recouped almost £100m this summer from the sales of centre-back Max Kilman to West Ham and Neto to Chelsea.
Speaking to BBC Radio WM before Neto's departure was officially confirmed, O'Neil said: "There's a lot of money that we've managed to take in, and hopefully we're able to help this group now.
"They're in a good spot, they're giving absolutely everything, but the Premier League is tough. We've signed a lot of young players, hopefully we can sign a few that can help us here and now, as well as some more young ones.
"I'm really open with the club, we try to sign ones that are going to add value as well for the football club - Rodrigo [Gomes], Jorgen [Strand Larsen], Pedro Lima - ones that have real talent but do have a value.
"But we do need to do some, of course, [for players] that are ready now, have played in the Premier League and know what it's all about, because the Premier League will always be a tough test."
O'Neil, whose new four-year contract at Molineux was announced on Friday, continued: "The early business we did was great, it showed everyone we meant business and we were able to do stuff.
"We were all worried that maybe we would lose Pedro [Neto] really late and then it would give us a really tricky situation on what we would do. Fortunately it will be done early enough that it gives us some time to help reinvest that, and then we need to make sure that we get it right and I need to make sure I get the team right.
"I'm really looking forward to the season but there is still some work to do between now and the end of August."
'O'Neil can push Wolves forward'published at 12:42 12 August
12:42 12 August
Nick Mashiter BBC Sport Football News Reporter
Image source, Getty Images
When Gary O’Neil walked into Wolves a year ago last Friday, expectations were low.
Some 12 months on he signed a new four-year contract and was about to lose star man Pedro Neto for a record £54m to Chelsea but now he has the chance to shape the squad and the club.
Wolves will reinvest some of that money, with the deal confirmed on Sunday, into the team and give O'Neil a further platform for progress.
He arrived just days before the start of last season and had to win over a large percentage of fans, some called him a PE teacher because of his attire on the touchline.
His appearance on Monday Night Football on Sky Sports in October, giving insight and video detail about how Wolves beat former club Bournemouth and Manchester City, earned deserved respect from the Molineux terraces and beyond. It changed the outside perception of him.
An excellent communicator, the squad bought into his methods quickly and it paid off. But for incorrect VAR and refereeing calls, confirmed by the Key Match Incidents panel which reviews decisions, in the first half of the season Wolves would have been in early European contention.
How O’Neil initially handled them - and his squad's reaction - also also earned credit, although he admitted his emotions got the better of him after Max Kilman’s leveller was ruled out against West Ham in April, leading to a touchline ban.
Wolves' 14th place finish last season was a disappointment, given they fell away from the European places, but after a year at the helm and with a new deal, O'Neil can push Wolves forward.
Wolves 0-1 Vallecano - fans' verdictpublished at 09:24 12 August
09:24 12 August
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's pre-season friendly between Wolves and Vallecano.
Here are some of your comments:
Simon: I went to the game with real excitement as we had played so well in the US. Unfortunately, all I saw was a flat team lacking in energy. There were moments of creativity but on the whole it felt like the end of last season. We have a new striker yet no one crossed the ball! Shots were of a premium and we just didn’t look like scoring.
Mike: In dire need of an effective striker.
Will: I was at the game. The crowd were silent for 80 minutes but credit to the Rayo fans as there were only about nine of them but they out-sang the Wolves lot. If we play like that in the league then we'll finish bottom.
Simon: We started off promising with Gomes on the wing standing out the most. After the goal all that promise ebbed away. They didn’t come out fighting in the second half and the quality football we’ve heard about in all prior friendlies was not on show. Instead we saw the same poor static football that we played after the Coventry defeat last season.
Andy: Have they played together this pre-season? Can’t see four at the back as the way forward after that result.
'It was the right timing and the right deal'published at 08:00 12 August
08:00 12 August
Image source, Getty Images
Wolves selling Pedro Neto for a club record fee is "the right deal at the right time", says sporting director Matt Hobbs.
It was confirmed on Sunday that the 24-year-old forward had completed a £54m move to Premier League rivals Chelsea.
The transfer is a record sale for Wolves, eclipsing the £47m they received from Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal in 2023 for Ruben Neves.
"The deal is one that works for us and Pedro, but by no means does it make it any easier," said Hobbs.
"The reason we get players like Pedro is because this is our model and not everyone will love that, but we can take so much credit for the way we bring players in, the way we look after them, the love they develop for the football club, and the clubs they’re moving on to, for the fees they are.
"For the club, it’s the right deal at the right time.
"It’s hard when it’s someone who everyone has so much affinity for as a person to look at it as a business, but football is a business and it was the right timing and the right deal, so from that perspective, the football club are happy."
Neto joined Wolves from Lazio in 2019, scoring 14 goals in 135 appearances for the west Midlands side and attentions will now turn to who the club might bring in.
"We’ve been working on options and on targets and that work keeps going," added Hobbs.
"Me and Gary [O'Neil] have sat down several times since, but we were sitting down beforehand and talking about it because I think we thought there was a good chance this would happen this summer."
