Wolverhampton Wanderers, a club that has experienced its fair share of ups and downs in recent seasons, is undergoing a significant transformation this summer, with a number of departures from Molineux already taking place. As the summer transfer window continues to unfold, it appears that this is just the beginning, with even more exits expected. The club’s strategy seems to be shifting as they look to reshape the squad for the upcoming season, and while departures are the primary focus right now, the hope is that new arrivals will come in to reinvigorate the team and push for better results in the Premier League.
The departures so far are a clear indication of a reshaping process at Wolves, with several key players already on their way out. Matheus Cunha, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Pablo Sarabia, and Craig Dawson have all left the club, with each one having played varying degrees of importance during their time at Molineux. Cunha, for example, joined Wolves with much fanfare but struggled to meet expectations, while Ait-Nouri’s departure leaves a gap in the club’s defensive depth. Sarabia, despite being a skilled player, never fully adapted to life in the Premier League, and Dawson’s exit signals the end of an era for the club’s defense. In addition, Carlos Forbs has returned to Ajax after an unsuccessful loan spell, further lightening the load on Wolves’ roster.
The expected departures of these players come as part of a wider attempt to streamline the squad and move forward with a more cohesive unit. Tommy Doyle, who was on loan from Manchester City last season, is one of the next players in line to leave. His time at Molineux didn’t quite live up to expectations, with Doyle failing to convince the club’s new manager, Vitor Pereira, of his suitability for the team. The midfielder’s impending move to Birmingham City seems to be the next logical step in his career, as Wolves move to trim their squad and make room for players who are more in line with the direction the club is headed under Pereira’s leadership.
In addition to Doyle, there is ongoing speculation surrounding two forwards, Goncalo Guedes and Hwang-Hee-chan. Both players have been linked with moves away from Molineux, as interest from other clubs continues to grow. Guedes, despite his talent, has never been able to consistently perform at the level required in the Premier League, while Hwang-Hee-chan’s time at Wolves has been characterized by inconsistency and a lack of a consistent starting role. While both players have shown flashes of quality, their time at the club may be nearing its end, especially with multiple clubs reportedly keeping an eye on their respective situations. The potential departures of Guedes and Hwang-Hee-chan would free up more space in the squad and provide Wolves with the opportunity to reinvest in attacking reinforcements.
However, the most intriguing and potentially significant departure this summer involves Fabio Silva, the young striker who has long been one of the club’s most talked-about players since joining from FC Porto for a hefty £35 million fee in 2020. Silva’s arrival was met with much excitement, but his time at Molineux has been somewhat underwhelming. While there have been flashes of his potential, his performances in the Premier League have been inconsistent, leading to questions about his future at the club.
Despite his struggles in England, Silva’s loan spell during the 2024/25 season at Las Palmas in Spain was a revelation. The young Portuguese striker was given a more prominent role at the La Liga club, and he seized the opportunity with both hands. Silva demonstrated his ability to score goals and be a key contributor to the team, leading to increased interest from clubs across Europe. His performances in Spain not only proved his potential but also highlighted his need for regular playing time, which he may not be able to secure at Wolves.
As a result, Wolves are now in a position to cash in on Silva, who has become one of the most coveted players on the market. Although the club originally paid £35 million for Silva, it is unlikely they will be able to recoup that full amount. Reports suggest that Wolves are currently seeking a fee of around £21 million, a figure that reflects the player’s development, his mixed time at Molineux, and the reality of the transfer market. Despite the reduced price, £21 million would still represent a decent return for a player who has not quite lived up to his price tag in the Premier League.
What makes Silva’s potential departure even more intriguing is the fierce competition between two Bundesliga giants—RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund—who are reportedly battling to secure the 22-year-old’s signature. According to journalist Rudy Galetti, both clubs are pushing hard for Silva, and it has become a head-to-head race between them. While other clubs are also in the mix, Leipzig and Dortmund are currently the frontrunners, which creates an exciting scenario for both Silva and Wolves.
The prospect of moving to the Bundesliga could be an enticing one for Silva. Having already played in Portugal, England, Belgium, the Netherlands, Scotland, and Spain, Germany presents a fresh challenge for the young striker. Both Leipzig and Dortmund are renowned for their commitment to developing young players, making the Bundesliga an ideal destination for Silva to continue his development and work towards fulfilling his potential.
Dortmund, in particular, has a stellar reputation for nurturing young talent and turning them into world-class players. The club’s track record with strikers, most notably with players like Erling Haaland, who became a global sensation after his time at Dortmund, could be a big selling point for Silva. Dortmund’s style of play, which emphasizes high-intensity attacking football, could suit Silva’s skill set and provide him with the platform to shine. The opportunity to join a club with such a proven record of developing young talent into household names would undoubtedly appeal to the striker.
On the other hand, RB Leipzig has built a reputation as a club that thrives on a dynamic, fast-paced playing style. Leipzig has been a hotbed for young talent, and the club has made a name for itself as a stepping stone to bigger things in European football. Given Leipzig’s project and their focus on integrating young players into the first team, a move to the German side could offer Silva regular playing time and the chance to continue his development in a competitive environment.
From Wolves’ perspective, the ongoing battle between Leipzig and Dortmund presents an opportunity to drive Silva’s price up. The club is in a position to take advantage of the competition between the two clubs, pushing the price higher and potentially securing a better deal. Wolves will need to maximize the return on Silva, as the money raised from his sale could go toward reinvesting in new players and strengthening the squad in key areas. Given the current state of the transfer market and the interest in Silva, Wolves have a chance to secure a substantial fee that could have a significant impact on their summer plans.
In conclusion, Fabio Silva’s potential departure from Molineux this summer could have major implications for both the player and Wolverhampton Wanderers. While Silva has struggled to live up to his £35 million price tag, his performances in Spain have rekindled interest from top European clubs, and a move to the Bundesliga could offer him the chance to thrive. For Wolves, the sale of Silva represents a potential windfall that could be reinvested into strengthening their squad, and the ongoing competition between RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund will only help to drive his price up. As the summer transfer window continues, Wolves will be looking to use this opportunity to make smart moves in the market, ensuring they rebuild and strengthen their team for the upcoming season.