Ahead of the new Premier League season, Wolves were dealt a significant blow by the Financial Control Body of UEFA – stating that the club had violated FFP guidelines. This meant that they would have a restricted squad for the next two seasons, should they qualify for European competitions. So with rival contenders strengthening and driven by demanding and ambitious owners, what can Wolves look to do in the league?
Transfer Activity
Wolves sold Helder Costa and Matt Doherty to Leeds and Tottenham respectively, in what can be considered very cheap and cut-price deals. They are yet to make a signing of the significant impact that could raise the quality of the first team. However there is still about a month to go for the window to slam shut, and recent transfer news indicates that they are close to completing a deal for Estoril defender Toti Gomes. Furthermore, Napoli left-back Faouzi Ghoulam is also on the club’s shortlist – after losing Jonny Otto to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Strength
The good news for Wolves is that bar Doherty, so far no important player is seeking a transfer away from the club. The group core of Patricio, Neves, Jota, Coady, and hitman Raul Jimenez are all expected to stay and fight for top half glory, at the very least. Further, the familiarity with Nuno Espirito Santo’s tactics means that the team chemistry will only improve further and they will be a thorn in many PL sides’ ambitions. Another stat to be aware of is that Wolves remained undefeated for 15/19 games played at their home ground Molineux, which means they will yet again build on that form when the season begins.
Weakness
Pundits have indicated that Wolves’ squad might be growing weaker in important positions. This is documented by the fact that we’re there to be injuries to key personnel, it would mean that squad players cannot display the same quality and would struggle to win matches. Another deficit is the fact that their European settlement agreement would mean that they cannot attract and pay top talent from the country and abroad to the extent they would have liked to do so. Current players may also look to force their way out of the club.
Key player
Raul Jimenez will yet again be the talisman for Wolves. With an attacking return of 30 goals and 17 assists over the course of two seasons, his consistency in the form will prove to be the foundation of Wolves’ success in the league. They also pride their strength in defence and once again, all eyes will be on club captain Conor Coady to organise and marshal that backline to prevent the concession of goals and keep their basic tactical aspects intact.
Predicted table finish
8th place: The fact that other leading contenders have improved in the market as well as the fact that Nuno has a good squad at his disposal, would most certainly mean that they will finish in the top half of the table.
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