Wolves’ Summer Rebuild Looms Large – and Santiago Bueno Is Likely to Be a Casualty
Wolverhampton Wanderers are on the brink of a pivotal summer, one that could signal a major transformation in the club’s trajectory under newly-appointed manager Vítor Pereira. The Portuguese coach has arrived with a clear vision and a reputation for demanding tactical discipline, organisation, and physical robustness. After securing their Premier League status with games to spare — highlighted by a thrilling 4-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur — the focus at Molineux has already shifted toward building a squad capable of climbing the table, competing for European places, and matching the ambitions of a loyal and passionate fanbase.
With safety assured, Wolves now sit 14 points clear of the drop zone, a remarkable feat considering the inconsistency that plagued the early months of the campaign. A series of key tactical adjustments, coupled with impactful January signings, have played a crucial role in stabilising performances and results. One of those changes has been the quiet but significant phasing out of Santiago Bueno — a once-promising defensive acquisition whose future at the club now appears to be in serious doubt.
From Promising Signing to Fringe Player
Santiago Bueno arrived at Wolves in the summer of 2023 from La Liga side Girona, where he had impressed as a composed, technically gifted centre-back. At the time, he was viewed as a smart signing — a player in his mid-twenties with top-flight experience in Spain, good on the ball, and capable of developing into a first-team regular in England. Wolves fans were optimistic that Bueno would strengthen a defence that had struggled with injuries and inconsistency.
However, the Uruguayan’s transition to Premier League football has been far from smooth. While he has shown flashes of his quality in possession and an ability to read the game, there have been glaring weaknesses — particularly when it comes to dealing with the physical demands of English football. Bueno’s performances have been frequently undermined by his inability to cope with powerful centre-forwards, and this deficiency has seen him gradually fall out of favour.
His last Premier League start came in February, during a 2-1 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage. In that match, Bueno struggled badly against the physicality of Rodrigo Muniz, who bullied him throughout the contest. It was a performance that served as a turning point. Since then, Bueno has been firmly on the fringes, watching from the bench as others seized their opportunities.
The Rise of Agbadou and the New Defensive Core
Following Bueno’s omission, Wolves’ defensive fortunes took a noticeable turn for the better. The signing of Emmanuel Agbadou from Stade Reims has proven to be one of the shrewdest moves of the season. The Ivorian defender has brought exactly what Wolves had been lacking — strength, athleticism, and aerial dominance. He has quickly established himself as a key figure in the backline, partnering effectively with Toti Gomes and offering defensive assurance alongside experienced full-back Matt Doherty.
Under Pereira’s system, Agbadou has become the embodiment of the type of defender Wolves want moving forward: physically resilient, tactically astute, and capable of leading from the back. The emergence of this new-look defence has coincided with a run of strong results, including victories over Southampton, West Ham, Ipswich Town, and Tottenham, and a hard-fought draw against Everton.
The improvement has been so stark that it is difficult to justify Bueno’s reintegration into the starting XI. With Nasser Djiga also arriving to further bolster the defensive options, Wolves now have the depth and versatility that allows them to move on from players who are not suited to the intensity of the Premier League.
Concerns Over Physicality and Past Criticism
One of the recurring criticisms aimed at Bueno has been his lack of physical presence. This isn’t a new narrative. Former head coach Gary O’Neil voiced his concerns about the composition of his defence earlier in the season when injuries forced him to rely on Bueno during a difficult spell.
“It’s not a group that’s built to deal with physical play,” O’Neil said. “You know, Santi Bueno — good centre-back, but not a big physical strong one. We lost Yerson, we lost Max – being competitive in those areas is a challenge for us.”
O’Neil wasn’t alone in his evaluation. Former Wolves defender and pundit Andy Thompson echoed those sentiments, particularly in the wake of the Fulham defeat. Thompson noted that Bueno had been overpowered far too easily by Muniz, and that his inability to assert himself physically was a liability in such contests.
These are damning assessments for a Premier League centre-back. In England’s top flight, defenders are expected to not only read the game well and distribute the ball cleanly but also dominate physically — especially against the ever-growing calibre of athletic, powerful forwards. Unfortunately for Bueno, this has proven to be his Achilles’ heel.
Time to Move On?
With Wolves set for a significant reshaping of the squad under Pereira’s guidance, the writing appears to be on the wall for Santiago Bueno. He is still under contract and remains a sellable asset, particularly to clubs in Spain or Italy, where his style of play might be a better fit. Wolves would be wise to cash in while his stock retains some value, and the player himself would benefit from a fresh start in a more accommodating tactical environment.
A move back to La Liga seems the most logical destination. Bueno excelled at Girona in a system that emphasised possession and positional intelligence over brute strength. In Spain, he would be far more likely to flourish, free from the constant physical battles that have hindered his development in England.
Wolves, meanwhile, will be looking to reallocate those squad resources toward players who better fit Pereira’s system — players who combine athleticism with technical ability, and who can withstand the physical rigours of the English game.
The Bigger Picture for Wolves
The likely departure of Santiago Bueno is just one piece of the puzzle in what promises to be a busy transfer window at Molineux. Vítor Pereira is expected to make several changes, both in terms of personnel and tactical structure. The potential departure of Matheus Cunha, who is attracting interest from clubs willing to meet his £62.5 million release clause, could significantly boost the club’s transfer budget.
That money could be reinvested into strengthening multiple areas of the squad — including bolstering attacking options and adding further steel to the midfield. Wolves are no longer fighting to survive; they are preparing to thrive. Pereira’s aim will be to turn Wolves into a cohesive, competitive unit capable of challenging the league’s established powers.
That journey will require difficult decisions. Players like Santiago Bueno, while talented in their own right, may not fit into the new era being ushered in at Molineux. And for Wolves to take that next step, sentiment cannot stand in the way of progress.
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