The start of another Premier League season always comes with excitement and plenty of questions for Wolves fans. After a hard-fought relegation escape last term, all eyes are on Vitor Pereira’s leadership, the next wave of new faces, and a club that’s changing on and off the pitch. This update breaks down the latest contract news, transfer rumours, behind-the-scenes upgrades, and what to expect in the weeks ahead with news broken by Daily Mail reporter Tom Collomosse.
Pereira’s Contract Situation: Why Calm Heads Prevail
Vitor Pereira’s future at Wolves remains a big talking point, but both sides are taking a measured approach. The club and Pereira are described as relaxed about contract negotiations. There’s no immediate rush to sign an extension, and talks will properly start after the transfer window closes in September.
Why the calm? After months of uncertainty in past summers, Wolves finally have a manager who’s focused, ambitious, and not looking over his shoulder for the next job. Unlike previous bosses, Pereira and the club are on the same page about transfers and squad building. The board trusts he’ll get the players he needs, and there’s little worry that he’ll be tempted away by offers elsewhere.
Pereira’s calm also comes from his input on transfers and his clear vision for how Wolves should play. The club has learned the cost of disruption and rushed decisions, so both sides are happy to focus on getting the squad ready for the season. Expect an announcement on his new deal in autumn, once the window is closed and the squad settled.
Breaking the August Curse: Wolves’ Start at Stake
One of the biggest tasks for Pereira and his side is to finally break Wolves’ August curse. Since returning to the Premier League in 2018, the club has only won once in 20 league games during August. These slow starts have put Wolves on the back foot year after year.
Fixing this record is a top priority. The focus is now on getting points early, especially with Manchester City first up at Molineux on 16 August. With Pereira now settled, there’s cautious optimism that Wolves can turn the page and give fans something to cheer about from day one.
Summer Transfers: The ‘Vitor Pereira Test’ and New Faces
Wolves’ transfer activity has picked up after a quieter start to summer. With several high earners leaving (Matheus Cunha, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Nelson Semedo, Pablo Sarabia and Goncalo Guedes among them), room has opened up for hungry, younger players—each handpicked through what’s being called the ‘Vitor Pereira test’.
Who’s Joined So Far?
- Fer Lopez: Signed from Celta Vigo for £20 million, the 21-year-old attacking midfielder already looks like he belongs in the Premier League. Coaches are impressed by his size, aggression and energy, and he’s fitted in well during pre-season.
- Jhon Arias: A Colombian winger who brings a bit of magic on the ball. At 28, he’s older than Wolves’ usual targets, but he comes with Pereira’s personal recommendation.
- David Moller Wolfe: Another name catching attention, he’s passed Pereira’s tough standards in recruitment.
What’s the Vitor Pereira Test?
Every signing is now put through a careful assessment. Pereira, with guidance from Domenico Teti (Director of Professional Football), wants:
- Tall, quick, aggressive wing-backs to power his three-man defence.
- Strong central midfielders to protect the defence.
- Players who are fully committed to the club’s project and not just looking for a stepping stone.
This process means Wolves look for more than just technical ability—they want players with the right attitude and appetite for the Premier League.
Next Targets on the List
With the departures of several key players, the club has clear positions to fill before the window closes:
- Right Wing-Back: After Nelson Semedo’s exit, Wolves are hunting for a new option down the flank. Marc Pubill (now at Atletico Madrid) and Juanlu Sanchez (heading to Napoli) were both considered. Coventry’s Milan van Ewijk has been offered, but Wolves have other preferred options.
- Forward Depth: A versatile forward who can play as a No 10 or out wide remains a priority to add competition and cover.
- Midfield Cover: Depth behind Joao Gomes and Andre is another goal.
- Left-Footed Centre-Back: Needed to provide balance in defence, especially as Wolves look to maintain a three-man back line.
Some of these signings may come late in the window or on loan, as Wolves weigh quality against the need for players willing to compete for places.
Player Outgoings: Who Could Still Leave?
With high earners off the wage bill, Wolves don’t face urgent spending pressures, but a few departures remain possible.
- Fabio Silva: The club is in talks to sell him to Borussia Dortmund for around £22 million, a move that would help balance the books.
- Hwang Hee-chan: Wolves are open to letting Hwang move if a right offer comes in. Earlier in the summer, Birmingham Cityexpressed interest, but Hwang prefers to stay in the top flight and avoided a move to the Championship.
The Hwang Situation: Club and Player Weigh Up Next Steps
The Hwang Situation: Club and Player Weigh Up Next Steps- Hwang is happy to stay, but Wolves will listen if the right offer lands.
- Birmingham interest came in before the Tommy Doyle loan, but Hwang turned it down rather than drop a division.
- The club values squad unity, but also won’t stand in the way of players looking for bigger opportunities if the deal is right.
Pros of a Hwang Transfer:
- Frees up wages to reinvest in new signings
- Potential for a profitable sale
Cons:
- Loses attacking depth if not replaced
- Risks unsettling the squad if done late
Behind the Scenes: Molineux and Compton Upgrades
Wolves have invested quietly but steadily in their infrastructure this summer. While fans focus on transfers, these upgrades could give players an edge throughout the season.
Recent improvements include:
- Biocentric Lighting at Compton: State-of-the-art lighting now simulates daylight indoors, boosting mood, energy and sleep patterns for players and staff.
- Expanded Medical Rooms: Upgraded facilities mean quicker treatment and recovery for injuries.
- Dressing Room Enhancements: Both home and away dressing rooms at Molineux have been expanded. The away rooms needed extra space to meet league requirements, while the home room now features screens for Pereira’s pre-match and tactical talks.
- Coach Office Screens: Visual aids for match analysis and planning have been added at both the stadium and training ground.
These changes may sound technical, but they’re designed to give players better preparation and allow management to communicate more clearly. Small details like daylight lighting can lift the mood and keep the squad sharper across a long, demanding season. Fans will hope these improvements mean better focus and results on the pitch.
Transfer Process: Smarter Decisions at Wolves
Compared to previous years, Wolves’ summer business has looked more focused. New faces on the board, added scouting expertise and input from different departments have all changed the way Wolves work the market. Teti now ensures smooth communication across key areas, making sure no department is left out and every voice is heard.
Recruitment is now about more than just what a player can do with a ball. Commitment, character and willingness to immerse themselves in Wolverhampton life matter just as much. Pereira and many coaches now live locally, a clear contrast to previous regimes.
Mistakes of the past still linger (last year’s captaincy drama, poor summer signings), but with a smarter process and a united approach, there’s optimism the squad will be better prepared and less prone to chaos this time.
Tributes to DiOgo Jota and Andre: Upcoming Matches
The Wolves family was devastated by the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his younger brother Andre earlier this summer. The club has released a statement confirming special tributes at upcoming games.
Celtic Vigo Game: Planned tributes will take place, with supporters encouraged to be in their seats early to honour the brothers’ memory.
Manchester City Game (Premier League opener): This first home league fixture will include a new song, Fields of Gold (a favourite of Diogo Jota), played as part of the ceremony. Other commemorative moments will take place around the stadium, and the club asks fans to arrive early to show their respect as a united community.
The club’s response shows the care and unity that runs through Wolves, demonstrating how football brings people together during hard times.
Final Thoughts: Building for a Positive Season
Wolves have steadied the ship after years of uncertainty. With Vitor Pereira at the helm, a clearer recruitment system and upgrades across the board, the club hopes to move away from early-season wobbles and off-field drama.
The road ahead won’t be easy, and August remains a test. Yet, the signs at training and in the boardroom suggest a club ready to take the next step. Whether it’s Pereira’s contract, summer signings or important tributes to unforgettable players, this is a time for focus and togetherness at Molineux.