Wolverhampton Wanderers have a significant opportunity in the 2025/26 Premier League season to not only solidify their standing in the top flight but also accelerate their progression up the table. The club has a solid base to build upon, with several key players who have already made their mark at the highest level. Under the guidance of manager Vitor Pereira, Wolves could be poised to challenge for a higher league finish, but the success of their upcoming season largely depends on how well they navigate the transfer window. A successful transfer window, one that builds on their current squad while addressing key areas, could provide them with the tools they need to push toward European competition and improve their stature within the Premier League.
One of the most crucial building blocks for Wolves is their defense, and the towering figure of Emmanuel Agbadou plays a critical role in this area. The 6’6” centre-back has been a revelation for Wolves since his arrival, standing as one of the most dominant defenders in the Premier League. His performance in the 2024/25 season was remarkable, particularly his ability to win duels. Agbadou registered the highest percentage of duels won in the Premier League, underscoring his physicality, tactical awareness, and aerial dominance. His monstrous presence in the box makes him a formidable opponent for any striker, and his ability to read the game and clear dangerous situations with ease is invaluable to the team. With Agbadou leading the defensive line, Wolves have a reliable, commanding figure who can be the cornerstone of their defense for years to come. With the right defensive partners and a more solidified backline, Wolves could transform into a team capable of keeping clean sheets regularly and ensuring they’re competitive in every game.
On the left side, Rayan Ait-Nouri has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in the Premier League. The 23-year-old full-back has been a standout performer for Wolves, consistently contributing both defensively and in attack. Ait-Nouri’s pace, technical ability, and offensive contributions were a highlight of his 2024/25 season, where he finished as one of the most productive defenders in terms of goals and assists in the entire league. His ability to provide width and stretch the opposition defense has been instrumental in Wolves’ attacking play, and his marauding runs down the left wing have opened up a variety of attacking options for the team. Ait-Nouri’s creativity and crossing ability make him a dangerous outlet, particularly when Wolves are looking to counter-attack or get the ball into the box quickly. Given his impressive form, it’s no surprise that top clubs like Manchester City have been linked with the French-Algerian defender. Ait-Nouri’s potential is immense, and if Wolves can keep him at the club, he can continue to be a key figure in their progression up the Premier League table. The club must act swiftly to secure his future, as his performances are sure to attract attention from the Premier League’s elite.
In attack, Matheus Cunha has established himself as one of Wolves’ most potent weapons. The Brazilian forward’s technical quality and natural goal-scoring ability were on full display during the 2024/25 campaign, where he netted an impressive 17 goals in all competitions. Cunha has the rare combination of technical skill, vision, and creativity that allows him to be a constant threat in the final third. His ability to link up play, create chances for teammates, and take on defenders makes him a versatile attacker, and his eye for goal has been a major asset for the team. Despite his standout performances, there have been rumors linking Cunha with a move to Manchester United, a transfer that could deal a blow to Wolves’ attacking prospects. Losing a player of Cunha’s caliber would leave a significant void in the team’s attack, but if Wolves can retain him for the long term, they will have one of the most exciting forward talents in the Premier League. With Cunha at the forefront of their attack, Wolves have the potential to be a potent offensive force in the league, and his contributions will be pivotal in any potential push for European football.
Despite Cunha’s remarkable ability, former Wolves player Dave Edwards, who spent a decade at the club and became a fan favorite, has chosen someone else as the player he would most love to play alongside in the current squad. Edwards, who was known for his work rate, box-to-box ability, and knack for arriving in the right place at the right time, highlighted Joao Gomes as the player who stands out the most. Edwards, who thrived as an attacking midfielder during his time at Wolves, spoke fondly of Gomes’ ability to break up opposition play and transition the team into attack. The industrious Brazilian midfielder joined Wolves in 2023, and since then, he has developed into one of the best ball-winning midfielders in the Premier League. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Gomes ranking among the top players in the division for tackles won. In the 2023/24 season, Gomes finished second only to Joao Palhinha in tackles won, and in the 2024/25 season, he maintained his strong form, finishing third in the Premier League. His ability to snuff out opposition attacks, disrupt the flow of play, and regain possession has made him a vital part of Wolves’ midfield engine.
For Edwards, a player who made his living by driving forward and creating attacking opportunities, Gomes’ qualities are a perfect complement. Edwards noted that with a player like Gomes breaking up play and winning possession, he would have been able to focus on his more attacking duties, knowing that Gomes would cover a vast amount of ground in the middle of the park. Edwards’ admiration for Gomes’ work rate and tackling ability is telling, as it highlights just how valuable Gomes has become to the Wolves midfield. His ability to read the game, snuff out danger, and set up counter-attacks makes him a pivotal player for the team. For a player like Edwards, who thrived on breaking forward and getting into the box, Gomes would have been the ideal partner, offering a perfect balance of destruction and distribution.
When Gomes is partnered with Andre, the synergy in Wolves’ midfield becomes even more apparent. Andre’s calmness on the ball and his ability to dictate the tempo from deeper positions allows Gomes to focus on his primary role as a disruptor. Together, the duo forms an excellent midfield partnership, with Andre providing the technical proficiency and composure, while Gomes offers the dynamism and tenacity. The combination of Andre’s control and Gomes’ ball-winning ability gives Wolves a midfield that can dominate possession, break up opposition play, and launch swift counter-attacks. If this partnership can be maintained for the long term, Wolves could boast one of the most formidable midfield pairings in the Premier League. However, retaining Gomes and Andre will be key to the club’s success, as top clubs will undoubtedly be monitoring their performances.
Wolves’ future success will be heavily reliant on their ability to retain their best players and continue to build around them. With the right additions in the transfer window, particularly in attack and depth, Wolves could find themselves pushing for higher league finishes and possibly even challenging for European spots. The club’s current squad, with the defensive strength of Agbadou, the creativity of Ait-Nouri, the technical brilliance of Cunha, and the midfield dynamism of Gomes and Andre, gives them the foundation to achieve great things. If they can keep these players and add to their ranks with strategic signings, Wolves could be in a position to challenge for a top-half finish, with aspirations for European football not far off.
In conclusion, Wolves have an exciting squad with plenty of talent and potential, and with a successful transfer window, they could elevate themselves into the upper reaches of the Premier League. The key to their success will lie in their ability to retain their current stars, add quality reinforcements, and ensure that they have the depth necessary to compete in a demanding league. The 2025/26 season could be a defining one for Wolves, and with the right moves, they could take a giant leap forward in their quest for Premier League success and European competition. The future looks bright for Molineux, but it all hinges on the club’s ability to manage their assets and build on their existing talent in the coming months.