🐺 Wolves’ Pre-Season 2025/26: Building Leadership, Legacy, and European Ambitions Under Vitor Pereira

As Wolverhampton Wanderers embark on their 2025/26 season preparations, the club is standing at a pivotal crossroads. After a successful escape from relegation under manager Vitor Pereira last year, Wolves are now aiming higher—eyeing not only Premier League survival but a potential return to European competition. However, with a changing roster and several key departures, the task of establishing a new identity and leadership structure is equally as crucial as their tactical development.

🌍 Pre-Season in Portugal: Toti Gomes’ Hometown Advantage

The first step in this journey has brought the team to Portugal, where they will spend 10 days in the Algarve for a comprehensive pre-season training camp. The focus during this camp is twofold: physical conditioning and tactical refinement under the guidance of Vitor Pereira. As the team focuses on sharpening its game, the natural beauty and calm surroundings of Portugal provide an ideal backdrop for building camaraderie, chemistry, and teamwork.

For Toti Gomes, this trip is particularly meaningful. Hailing from the Algarve region, Gomes will feel right at home, surrounded by friends, family, and familiar sights. His comfort in this environment will no doubt benefit his performances and leadership throughout the camp. Gomes has become an important figure in Wolves’ defense, and his presence in Portugal will be vital both on and off the field as the team seeks to gel and develop as a unit ahead of the new season.

A Perfect Setting for Tactical Development

Wolves have struggled with inconsistency in the past, but under Pereira, they have adopted a more structured defensive approach, while still looking to expand their attacking capabilities. This pre-season training will allow Wolves to hone their tactical identity, whether it’s tightening up their defense, improving their transitions, or finding new ways to exploit spaces in the opposition’s defense.

🏆 From Relegation Escape to European Dreams

The 2024/25 season was one of turmoil for Wolves, with relegation battles defining the latter part of the campaign. However, under Vitor Pereira, the club managed to escape the drop zone comfortably. Pereira’s ability to steady the ship, instill discipline, and impose a tactical structure gave the team a fighting chance, and they ultimately finished the season in a mid-table position, far from the relegation zone.

Now, with the dust settled, Wolves aim higher. The potential for European qualification is on the horizon, especially after the resurgence shown during the latter half of last season. Pereira’s leadership will be critical as he looks to build on this momentum and transform Wolves from a relegation-threatened side into one with aspirations of competing on the continental stage.

Toti Gomes, who became one of the team’s most important defenders last season, will play a significant role in that ambition. His form and leadership in the backline are seen as cornerstones for Wolves’ pursuit of a higher finish in the Premier League.

🛡 Key Departures and a Changing Leadership Landscape

However, the journey to achieving European football is not without its challenges. Matheus Cunha and Rayan Aït-Nouri—two key figures in the Wolves squad—have left for Manchester United and Manchester City, respectively, leaving gaps in both the attack and defense. Cunha, who had a significant impact after his January arrival, contributed greatly to Wolves’ survival efforts, and Aït-Nouri, with his flair and attacking runs from the wing-back position, will be sorely missed.

But these departures are not limited to just the playing side of things. Nelson Semedo, another integral part of the squad, saw his contract expire on June 30. Although the club has reportedly made an offer for him to stay, Semedo has yet to sign a new deal, leaving the door open for his potential departure. With Semedo’s future uncertain, the leadership structure at Wolves is in a state of flux. The need for a new captain—and leadership group—has never been more pressing.

With several senior players moving on, the club’s leadership dynamics will need to evolve. The absence of established leaders means that players like Toti Gomes, Matt Doherty, and Jose Sa will need to step up and guide Wolves through a period of transition and growth.

🧳 Toti Gomes on Leadership and His Growing Role

In an exclusive interview with Wolves Express, Toti Gomes reflected on the importance of leadership and his role in shaping the squad’s future. Gomes, who was occasionally seen wearing the captain’s armband last season, understands the weight of the responsibility that comes with the position.

“We need to look at the players that are here and step up as well, and I think I’m one of those players—not just me, but other guys in the team like Matt Doherty and Jose Sa,” Gomes said.

“It is a big responsibility but a proud moment and a good moment when you are one of the captains from the team; it shows the respect that they are giving to you.

“Using the armband, it shows you need to give some respect and try to help by being one of the leaders from the team.”

Gomes’ comments highlight the collective responsibility required for leadership. The club is no longer reliant on a few established stars; instead, the need for a broader leadership structure, where several key players take charge in different areas of the pitch, is crucial for success.

His words also emphasize the respect that leadership in a top-flight club like Wolves demands. It is not just about holding the armband but embodying the values of the club, pushing the team through adversity, and leading by example in every match.

🧢 Candidates for the Captaincy: Who Will Lead Wolves in 2025/26?

As Nelson Semedo’s future hangs in the balance, several players are emerging as potential captains for the 2025/26 season. The race for the armband is wide open, with multiple candidates having strong cases. Here are the main contenders:

🛡 Toti Gomes

Age: 25

Position: Centre-back

Wolves Tenure: Joined in 2021

Case for Captaincy: Gomes has become a stalwart in the defense and already showed leadership qualities last season. His calmness, reliability, and ability to read the game make him an ideal candidate to anchor the team. Additionally, his growing influence among the squad makes him a natural leader both on and off the pitch.

🇮🇪 Matt Doherty

Age: 33

Position: Right-back

Wolves Tenure: First spell (2010-2020), second spell (2023-present)

Republic of Ireland Leadership: As the captain of the Irish national team, Doherty’s leadership experience is extensive. His passion for the club, loyalty, and deep connection to the fans make him a strong contender to lead the team. The fact that he has spent over a decade at Wolves only adds to his credibility.

🧤 Jose Sa

Age: 32

Position: Goalkeeper

Wolves Tenure: Joined in 2021

Case for Captaincy: Sa has quickly established himself as a vital player for Wolves, not just through his shot-stopping ability but his vocal presence on the pitch. As a goalkeeper, his command of the defense and leadership in organizing the backline make him an important figure in the dressing room. He is highly regarded by teammates and managers alike, making him a strong contender for the armband.

🇳🇴 Jorgen Strand Larsen

Age: 25

Position: Forward

Wolves Tenure: Signed in 2023

Case for Captaincy: A relative newcomer, Larsen has nevertheless established himself as an essential part of Wolves’ attacking setup. His charisma and growing influence within the squad have earned him a reputation as a potential leader in the future. While still young, Larsen represents the future of the club, and his drive to succeed makes him a fascinating candidate.

🇵🇹 Nelson Semedo (if he stays)

Age: 31

Position: Right-back

Wolves Tenure: Since 2020

Case for Captaincy: Semedo’s experience in both domestic and international football makes him a natural leader. However, his uncertain future means that Wolves may have to plan for the future without him, but if he stays, his influence in the dressing room could be key.

🔮 Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Wolves

As Wolves approach the 2025/26 season, the team is building not just for tactical success but for a shift in leadership that could define the next chapter in the club’s history. The departure of key figures has created both a challenge and an opportunity—one that will test the resolve and character of the squad. Whether Toti Gomes, Matt Doherty, Jose Sa, or another player takes the captaincy, the leadership group at Wolves will need to rise to the occasion and guide the club toward its goal of European football.

With Vitor Pereira at the helm, a manager known for instilling discipline and tactical clarity, Wolves are on the brink of something special. The task now is to not only secure a higher league position but to establish a culture of leadership that will push the club forward for years to come.