WHO IS WOLVES BEST SIGNING IN THE LAST 5 YEARS?
We asked our fan writers to tell us who they thought was Wolves best signing in the last 5 years and why. This is who they chose.
The signings…. Daniel Podence, Leonardo Campana, Fabio Silva, Nelson Semedo, Ki-Jana Hoever, Willian Jose, Marcal, Toti, Matija Sarkic, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Vitinha, Jose Sa, Francisco Trincao, Yerson Mosquera, Chiquinho, Bendeguz Bolla, Sang-bing Jeong, Hayao Kawabe, Hwang Hee-Chan, Matheus Nunes, Goncalo Guedes, Nathan Collins, Joao Gomes, Sasa Kalajdzic, Mario Lemina, Pablo Sarabia, Craig Dawson, Boubacar Traore, Dan Bentley, Matheus Cunha, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Santi Bueno, Boubacar Traore, Enso Gonzalez, Matt Doherty, Tom King, Noha Lemina, Tommy Doyle, Andre, Emmanuel Agbadou, Marshall Munetsi, Rodrigo Gomes, Nasser Djiga, Sam Johnstone, Pedro Lima, Bastien Meupiyou, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Carlos Forbs, Tolu Arokodare, Fer Lopez, Ladislav Krejci, Jhon Arias, Jackson Tchatchoua, David Moller Wolfe
LOUIE LEFEVRE
For me, Matt Doherty is Wolves’ best signing of the last five years. Now cemented firmly as a Wolves legend with 350+ appearances in Old Gold, ‘Doc’ flies under the radar when it comes to discussing Fosun’s transfer business. With scouting networks in the Premier League now covering every corner of the globe, Premier League experience has become a quality that is much harder to come by for arrivals to England’s top flight. It is now common courtesy for fans to reserve judgement as players adapt to English football. This is, of course, a good thing. Each league has its own quirks and characteristics with none more challenging than ‘the prem’ but it does mean that clubs have found it challenging to snap up players who forgo this grace period.
Doherty is exactly this, a ‘prem-proven’ experienced head who provided solid back-up to Nelson Semedo and allowed some much needed rotation as alternatives such as Dexter Lembikisa and Ki-Jana Hoever gained experience out on loan. His experience quickly paid dividends across the pitch, filling in at LWB when required and even finding a new lease of life as a centre-back whose quality still shines through when called upon.
Football now is much more than just what we see on the pitch though, and Matt Doherty ticks all those boxes. Not often can you sign a player twice and still say you’ve made over 15 million pounds on him. His return to Molineux on a free is an incredible piece of business financially and provided little risk with high reward. His dressing room presence will also be a welcome return, guiding through younger and less experienced players with his intimate knowledge of what is required to make it as a top level professional.
Lastly, it was a feel good move for fans. Loyalty in modern football is something that is so hard to come by and seeing an icon like Doherty return to the club that help shape him into the player he is today is one that fans could get behind. We all remember just how impressive he was under Nuno following our return to the Premier League, and it’s nice to see someone wear the shirt on the pitch who seems to feel the same way as those wearing it in the stands.
So my answer is Matt Doherty: a player so good we had to sign him twice!
ANDREW BENNETT
The best signing over the last five Wolves seasons is a great question, with a vast range of players joining during this period such as Joao Gomes, Fabio Silva, Matheus Nunes, Mario Lemina, Matheus Cunha and Andre to name a few with varied outcomes. Looking at the full list of five year signings you will see such a high turnover, especially as we enter this 2025-26 season; potentially a reason for our existing position.
JOHN TARAS
PAM WELLS
Originally, I had a shortlist of three: João Gomes, Rayan Aït-Nouri, and Matheus Cunha.
In the end, it had to be Matheus Cunha. My grandson, who followed Atlético Madrid, told me he would be a great signing. I have to admit, in his first season I didn’t really see it. You could tell there was a good player there, but he didn’t seem to fit our style, and I wasn’t sure where he’d play.
How wrong I was. He became a magnificent player and a true match winner. He had some rough moments with discipline, which I put down to that fiery Brazilian temperament, the same spark that helps make him great.
I know others stepped up when he was out injured or suspended, and they did well. But I truly believe he single-handedly kept our club safe in the Premier League. That’s the kind of temperamental, brilliant player he was for us.
It was always likely he’d move to a bigger club, but I wish we could have kept him for one more season. Players like him don’t come along often. I’m not thrilled he joined a Premier League rival, but I wish him well. Hopefully we’ll see him grace the Molineux turf again, just not on the scoresheet.
PHIL SMITH
KARL WHITEHOUSE
Matt Doherty has to be one of Wolves’ best signings, both on the pitch and for the club’s culture. Here’s why.
- He proved himself across two spells, sticking with the club through League One and helping them back to the Premier League.
- He understands the Wolves way: the culture, expectations, and playing style. Under Nuno Espírito Santo, he flourished.
- He delivered consistent Premier League performances, mixing defensive solidity with an attacking edge. At his peak, he was among the league’s most effective wing backs.
- As an experienced, homegrown player, he adds depth and steady leadership to any lineup.
- In the dressing room and on the training ground, his presence lifts standards and team spirit.
- He offers real versatility. He can play right back, right wing back, and cover on the left, giving managers tactical flexibility.
- He brings familiarity, experience, and value in a key position. He helps maintain the club’s identity through squad changes and leads by example.
Others on my shortlist: Rayan Aït-Nouri, Craig Dawson, and a bit before the five years Ruben Neves, and João Moutinho.
OTHER TRANSFERS THROUGH THE YEARS
PAM WELLS
From when I first started watching Wolves in 1954, there have been many great players and many great teams. I was lucky enough to see Billy Wright, Jimmy Murray, Ron Flowers, Peter Broadbent, and Jimmy Mullen, to name just a few. Out of all the great times, I loved my team of the 70s, and I was fortunate to go to the 1974 and 1980 League Cup finals.
My favourite XI from that era:
Phil Parkes, Geoff Palmer, Derek Parkin, Mike Bailey, Frank Munro, John McAlle, Kenny Hibbitt, Jim McCalliog, “King” John Richards, Derek Dougan, Dave Wagstaffe
They were all down-to-earth people, no airs or graces. At the time, my job was measuring houses for alterations, and I was lucky enough to visit a few of their homes.
If I had to pick a favourite from this team, it would be between Frank Munro and King John, and the winner would be the King. Such a talented player, a great goalscorer, and a genuinely nice person. He formed a brilliant partnership with the Doog. In my lunch hour, a few of us would head to The Chestnut Tree pub in Castlecroft, and John would come in a couple of times a week. He always had time to talk to people. A true legend and a great servant to the club.
Then there was the Nuno era. What a team. I loved our front three: Jota, Jiménez, and Traoré. I loved our captain, Coady, a true club legend. And our brilliant midfield of Neves and Moutinho, not to mention our great manager, Nuno.
At the end of the day, I can only pick one legend, and it has to be the wonder kid from Porto, the great Ruben Neves.
Such special memories.
JOHN TARAS
LESLEY WHITEHOUSE
João Moutinho was one of Wolves’ best signings. At just £5m, he was a bargain. Fans called him “5ft 7 of football heaven,” and for good reason. He arrived with a winning pedigree, with league titles, cups, and many caps for Portugal. He brought real know-how about what it takes to win.
Moutinho shared his experience generously, helping teammates grow their understanding and improve their skills. His positional play was outstanding. He controlled the tempo, rarely lost possession, and moved the ball with ease. He could play deep, box to box, or as a 10, and he helped elevate Ruben Neves’ game.
His passing, vision, and first touch were elite. His switches of play were precise, and his set pieces regularly created goals. His corner delivery was second to none. Week after week, he delivered consistent, high-level performances that lifted the entire team.
He was also a leader on the pitch, directing attacks, setting standards, and often dictating the outcome of matches. His fitness was excellent; he rarely missed games, showing reliability and commitment. He brought stability when the team needed it most and helped take Wolves back into European competition.
Other players who could have made my shortlist include Conor Coady, Ruben Neves, Pablo Sarabia, and André.
1 Comment
by Razor
Well, it was actually 7 years ago, but I agree with Lesley Whitehouse – Joao Moutinho at £5mill was a fantastic signing – a true world-class midfielder. It really told me that we had arrived on the big stage – and we had ! Successive 7th place finishes, a European adventure, Moutinho & Neves in midfield, Raul & Jota up front and Rui Patricio in goal. It is absolutely criminal that we failed to build on that platform.
I know Covid came along, but a brave investor would have used that empty stadium period to sanction the further development of the ground – we would have been ready to kick on to the next level when things returned to normal. #builditandtheywillcome